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Linguistic & Comparative at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,658/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 16.6x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #14 of 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Linguistic & Comparative graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $611K $597K $536K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.0x 16.6x 14.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.8x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,956
Out-of-state: $157,320 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,932
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,782
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,670
134% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,658 track close to the $27,797 national median for Linguistic & Comparative programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 16.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Linguistic & Comparative career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,782 against $24,658/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranks #14 among 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $24,658-to-$57,670 earnings arc over five years reflects a 134% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill admits 19% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with 20,556 students enrolled in Chapel Hill, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill →

Top Career Paths

Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340/yr
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary $78,270/yr
Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary $77,010/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 79 schools offering Linguistic & Comparative →

Linguistic & Comparative at Other Schools

James Madison University ($45,122) Virginia Military Institute ($43,923) George Mason University ($40,105) Stephen F Austin State University ($38,375) Northern Arizona University ($38,177) University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus ($37,859) Ashford University ($37,853) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($37,389)

Other Majors at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Computer Science ($90,293) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($85,618) Information Science/Studies ($75,834) Applied Mathematics ($75,105) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($71,594) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($70,561) Economics ($65,344) Physics ($62,647)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Linguistic & Comparative trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Linguistic & Comparative at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Linguistic & Comparative programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Linguistic & Comparative at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill one of the best schools for Linguistic & Comparative?
Among 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's #14 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →