Linguistic, Comparative, at Radford University

Similar linguistics programs across Virginia suggest first-year earnings around $40,000—a figure that puts Radford near the middle of the state's range but well above the national median of $27,000 for this credential. The estimated debt load of roughly $22,000 translates to a manageable 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe about half their first-year salary. Programs at James Madison and VMI show higher starting salaries, but Radford's accessible admission profile (91% acceptance rate) may offer a more realistic path for students who aren't competing for the most selective spots.

The challenge with linguistics degrees generally is that they often serve as preparation for graduate work or careers that require additional credentials—teaching English abroad, translation services, or speech pathology all typically need more than a bachelor's. If your child plans to enter the workforce immediately after graduation, that $40,000 estimate reflects what peer program graduates earn, but individual outcomes will depend heavily on what they do with the degree. The debt level is reasonable enough that taking time to figure out next steps won't be financially catastrophic.

For families comfortable with some uncertainty and a child interested in language study, this program's estimated financials are workable—just understand you're looking at typical outcomes from comparable Virginia programs, not verified results from Radford's specific graduates. The relatively low debt matters more here than the moderate starting salary.