Best Foreign Languages institutions in the US, ranked by earnings
Compare 44 U.S. colleges offering Foreign Languages by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 25 states.
About Foreign Languages programs
The Foreign Languages program focuses on the study of various languages, literatures, and linguistics. This program is designed for students interested in understanding and communicating in multiple languages, as well as exploring the cultural and literary contexts of those languages. It is ideal for individuals who wish to enhance their global communication skills and cultural awareness.
Students in the Foreign Languages program develop core skills in speaking, active listening, reading comprehension, and writing. They also gain knowledge in areas such as English and foreign languages, customer service, and education. Coursework may include translation techniques, linguistic analysis, and the study of language structure and meaning.
Top 2 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clemson University Clemson, SC Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,244 | 27 | 87% | — | $22,715 |
| 2 | Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA Public · Bachelor's degree | $27,644 | 21 | 55% | — | $26,120 |
Offered across 25 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolinalimited | 1 | $42,244 | Clemson University |
| Georgia | 4 | $27,644 | Georgia Southern University |
| Alaskalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arkansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| California | 7 | — | — |
| Delawarelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Hawaiilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Idaholimited | 1 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Mississippilimited | 2 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| New York | 3 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Pennsylvania | 3 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Vermontlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Washington | 4 | — | — |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-3091, Interpreters and Translators, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Foreign Languages program can pursue various careers in translation, interpretation, and language education. The job outlook shows a growth rate of 1.7% with approximately 6,900 annual openings. The median wage for positions in this field is $59,440, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Foreign Languages programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.
- Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
- Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.
- Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.
- Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.
- Check translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions.
Tools & technology
Concentrations within Foreign Languages
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, OtherCIP 16.9999
Any instructional program in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics not listed above.
Common questions
What can I do with a degree in Foreign Languages?+
Graduates can work in translation, interpretation, education, and various roles requiring language skills.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and critical thinking.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook indicates a growth rate of 1.7% with about 6,900 annual openings.
What level of education is typically required?+
Most positions in this field require at least a bachelor's degree.
Related programs
Other programs in the same field of study.
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