Linguistic, Comparative, at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

UW-Milwaukee's linguistics program starts at a modest $25,285 in first-year earnings—below the already-low national median for language programs—but the trajectory matters here. By year four, graduates see a 45% earnings jump to $36,549, outpacing what most linguistics programs deliver. Within Wisconsin's limited field of seven language programs, this actually places at the 60th percentile, meaning it's solidly middle-of-the-pack for the state despite its slow start.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $25,479, graduates borrow less than both the national median for linguistics programs and match the state average. That roughly 1:1 debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio is tight but not catastrophic, especially given the strong earnings growth. The real question is whether those mid-$30,000s earnings justify four years of study, regardless of debt level.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could swing significantly year to year. For families considering this path, the practical takeaway is that UW-Milwaukee appears to deliver average value for a Wisconsin linguistics program—reasonable debt paired with below-average starting pay that improves notably over time. If your child is committed to language study and staying in Wisconsin, this represents a financially accessible option, but they should plan for a lean first few years.