Linguistic, Comparative, at San Diego State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
At $22,001 in first-year earnings, this linguistics program falls well below both national and state benchmarks—but the extremely small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift dramatically with just a few data points. The low debt load of $11,000 is the program's saving grace, coming in significantly below California's typical $15,416 for linguistics majors. That half-your-salary debt ratio is manageable, though you're still looking at modest starting pay regardless.
The 40th percentile ranking among California programs suggests middle-of-the-pack performance within the state, though that's cold comfort when the state median itself sits at just $22,723. The real concern is that 17th percentile national ranking—this program's graduates earn less than 83% of linguistics majors nationwide. For context, UCLA linguistics graduates start at $30,524, while UC Santa Barbara hits $27,629.
The small cohort size makes it hard to draw firm conclusions, but the pattern suggests this isn't a strong financial launchpad compared to peer programs in California. If your student is considering this major, have a serious conversation about career plans and whether graduate school is in the picture—many linguistics graduates need advanced degrees for their target roles. The low debt provides flexibility for that path, at least.
Where San Diego State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all linguistic, comparative, bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How San Diego State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
San Diego State University graduates earn $22k, placing them in the 17th percentile of all linguistic, comparative, bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Linguistic, Comparative, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (32 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego State University | $22,001 | — | $11,000 | 0.50 |
| Ashford University | $37,853 | $39,808 | $43,603 | 1.15 |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $30,524 | $55,469 | $15,000 | 0.49 |
| University of California-Santa Barbara | $27,629 | $51,160 | $14,100 | 0.51 |
| University of California-Berkeley | $25,059 | $55,407 | $14,000 | 0.56 |
| California State University-San Bernardino | $24,961 | — | $16,449 | 0.66 |
| National Median | $27,449 | — | $20,718 | 0.75 |
Other Linguistic, Comparative, Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashford University San Diego | $13,160 | $37,853 | $43,603 |
| University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles | $13,747 | $30,524 | $15,000 |
| University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara | $14,965 | $27,629 | $14,100 |
| University of California-Berkeley Berkeley | $14,850 | $25,059 | $14,000 |
| California State University-San Bernardino San Bernardino | $7,675 | $24,961 | $16,449 |
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 San Diego State University, approximately 31% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.