Analysis
Similar programs across Virginia suggest first-year earnings around $40,100 for linguistics graduates, putting Emory & Henry's expected outcomes right at the state median—substantially better than the $27,400 national figure. With estimated debt of $17,500, you're looking at a debt burden equal to less than half a year's salary, which represents manageable territory compared to many humanities degrees.
The challenge here is uncertainty. While the debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable on paper, these estimates are drawn from peer institutions rather than actual outcomes for Emory & Henry's linguistics graduates specifically. The program's small size means the Department of Education can't publish real data without compromising graduate privacy. The school serves a predominantly regional student body (41% receive Pell grants), and outcomes for any small humanities program can vary considerably based on individual career paths and geographic mobility after graduation.
For an anxious parent, the question becomes: are you comfortable betting on estimated rather than verified outcomes? If your child is genuinely passionate about linguistics and has specific career plans that leverage the degree, the estimated debt load won't be crushing. But if this feels like an exploratory choice without clear direction, you might prefer a program where actual graduate outcomes are transparent and verifiable.
Where Emory & Henry University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all linguistic, comparative, bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Linguistic, Comparative, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Emory & Henry UniversityEmory | $35,280 | $40,105* | — | $17,500* | — |
 James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg | $13,576 | $45,122* | $52,582 | $18,398* | 0.41 |
 Virginia Military InstituteLexington | $20,484 | $43,923* | — | —* | — |
 George Mason UniversityFairfax | $13,815 | $40,105* | $46,560 | $21,850* | 0.54 |
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg | $15,478 | $37,389* | $51,652 | $22,500* | 0.60 |
 Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond | $16,458 | $30,635* | $41,671 | $26,000* | 0.85 |
| National Median | — | $27,449* | — | $20,718* | 0.75 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with linguistic, comparative, graduates
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Interpreters and Translators
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Emory & Henry University, approximately 41% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.