Linguistic, Comparative, at The University of Texas at Dallas

UT Dallas's linguistics program shows something unusual: graduates more than double the typical first-year earnings for this degree, starting at $32,000 compared to the national median of $27,449. While that's only modestly above Texas's median ($31,444), the four-year trajectory tells a better story—earnings jump 39% to $44,546, putting graduates well ahead of the typical linguist's career path. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas linguistics programs, trailing UT Austin and Stephen F. Austin but solidly beating the lower-tier state options.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $23,156, giving graduates less than a year's starting salary to repay. That's below the 75th percentile nationally for linguistics debt, meaning most comparable programs leave students with heavier burdens. The concern isn't the debt level—it's whether those mid-career earnings, while respectable for the field, justify the opportunity cost. Even at $44,546, your child will earn less than many STEM graduates earn in their first year out of UT Dallas.

If your child is genuinely passionate about language and culture, this program delivers stronger outcomes than most linguistics degrees. But be realistic: this is a liberal arts pathway that requires smart career planning—think technical writing, localization, or data annotation rather than traditional academic routes. The earnings growth suggests graduates find their footing, but it takes time.