Linguistic, Comparative, at University of Missouri-St Louis

With a first-year median salary of just $20,319 and debt of $27,000, this linguistics program at UMSL ranks in the bottom 10th percentile both nationally and among Missouri's nine programs offering this degree. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift dramatically, but even accounting for that uncertainty, starting more than $9,000 below Missouri's median for linguistics graduates is troubling. Compare this to Mizzou's program, where linguistics majors earn $35,409—nearly 75% more right out of school.

The 64% earnings jump by year four brings graduates to $33,264, which helps narrow the gap but doesn't erase the challenging early years. With debt exceeding that first year's salary by one-third, new graduates face real financial strain during precisely the period when they're likely establishing themselves independently. The program's debt level also sits higher than both state and national medians for this field.

Given these numbers and the small cohort, prospective students should investigate what's driving these outcomes—whether it's the program's focus, career services support, or simply an unrepresentative sample. If your child is set on linguistics in Missouri, the data clearly points toward Columbia's program, which delivers substantially better employment outcomes.