Linguistic, Comparative, at University of Georgia

That first-year earning of $17,864 looks alarming until you realize it's actually the *median* for linguistics programs in Georgia—this isn't a UGA problem, it's a statewide pattern where these graduates are likely pursuing graduate school or taking gap years before full-time employment. The encouraging signal here is that four years out, earnings jump to $40,931, well above both the national median ($27,449) and the top program in the state. That 129% growth rate suggests many of these graduates are indeed investing in additional credentials that pay off later.

With only 60th percentile performance statewide but dramatically higher long-term earnings than any Georgia competitor, this program appears to serve students headed for different post-graduation paths than typical linguistics majors. The $22,420 debt load is reasonable—below both state and national medians—and becomes quite manageable once that year-four salary kicks in.

The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so one or two outlier career paths could skew everything. For parents comfortable with a child who might pursue graduate work or take time finding their career footing, the four-year outcome justifies the investment. If your student needs immediate post-graduation income to service debt, linguistics programs generally (not just UGA's) present timing challenges worth discussing frankly.