50 Great Value Colleges for Linguistics

Linguistics, or the scientific study of language, is one of the most fascinating topics one can study in pursuit of an undergraduate or graduate degree. Because language impacts nearly every other aspect of our lives, a linguistics degree program is by nature highly interdisciplinary. Linguistics is also one of the most multi-faceted areas of study, meaning there are many different concentrations and emphases you could choose to examine. Whether you’re interested in language acquisition, historical linguistics, language documentation, or computational linguistics, for example, you’ll want to choose an affordable linguistics degree program that offers the high quality instruction and resources you’ll need to be successful in the field. To assist you in this search, we’ve compiled the following list of 50 great value colleges for linguistics.

Featured Programs

Ranking Methodology
Graduate Degree Opportunities in Linguistics
• Presence of Master’s Degree Program – 1 point
• Presence of Doctoral Degree Program – 1 point
Awards and Recognition (Related to Linguistics)
• National Level – 2 points
• Regional Level – 1 point
20-Year Net ROI
• Above 600,000 – 5 points
• Above 500,000 – 4 points
• Above 400,000 – 3 points
• Above 300,000 –2 points
• Above 200,000 – 1 point
Linguistics Research Opportunities – 1 point
Innovative Programs and/or Teaching Methods in Linguistics – 1 point
Study Abroad Opportunities in Linguistics – 1 point
Linguistics Internship Opportunities – 1 point
Linguistics Scholarship Opportunities – 1 point
Affiliated Centers and Institutes on Campus – 1 point
Related Student Organizations and Societies – 1 point
Wow factor: awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us – 1 point

Great Value Colleges for Linguistics
After identifying the 142 schools in the country offering a bachelor’s in linguistics, our editors used PayScale.com to uncover the 20-year ROI for each school. We then combined this information with data from each college’s departmental webpage to determine which institutions offered the most value in terms of academic rigor and variety as well as student resources and opportunities (see full ranking methodology above). In cases of a tie, the school’s net price was considered. Here are the top 50 great value colleges for linguistics in 2016-2017.

#50 – Baylor University

Waco, Texas

Website

Points: 6
Net Price: $34,900

The linguistics degree program at Baylor University is designed to be applied to several different disciplines, including social sciences, education, and applied sciences. No matter what their specific interests are, students are able to study how linguistics applies to these interests. Students in this program also enjoy small classes, professors who are responsive to their needs, opportunities to do research alongside their professors, and many interesting off-campus experiences. Opportunities for independent study and supervised individual research are available as well.

#49 – California State University – Fullerton

Fullerton, California

Website

Points: 6
Net Price: $5,542


California State University – Fullerton’s linguistics degree program is designed to promote interdisciplinary study. It does this primarily by including courses from other departments as part of the major. Both the BA program and the MA program provide a solid education in general linguistics, but the MA program also allows students to specialize in one of many areas. These areas of specialization include Disorders of Communication and Applied Linguistics. Several other opportunities are also available to linguistics majors, such as fieldwork, research, and seminars.

#48 – Tulane University

New Orleans, Louisiana

Website

Points: 7
Net Price: $32,797

Tulane University offers several linguistics degree programs, each with a strong interdisciplinary focus. At the undergraduate level, the school offers students both a BA and a BS in Linguistics. Alternatively, students may choose to enroll in the Accelerated Master of Arts program, a 30-credit hour degree program that allows incoming students to earn both a bachelor’s in linguistics and master’s in linguistics after just five years of study. Tulane’s relatively new graduate program offers both an MA in Computational Linguistics and a PhD in Linguistics.

#47 – Pennsylvania State University

University Park, Pennsylvania

Website

Points: 7
Net Price: $24,220

Pennsylvania State University’s linguistics degree program is available through several different departments, including the Departments of Applied Linguistics, Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures, and Psychology. The wide variety of departments in the program allows for many interdisciplinary linguistics activities within the university. Most of these activities are facilitated by the Center for Language Science, which hosts research, speakers, and events. Students are also able to take advantage of these departments’ cooperation by taking courses offered by related departments.

#46 – Miami University – Oxford

Oxford, Ohio

Website

Points: 7
Net Price: $21,775

The linguistics degree program at Miami University–Oxford encourages students to take advantage of its flexibility by taking courses that meet their interests. Courses and professors are drawn from multiple departments and disciplines, giving students a wide variety of courses to choose from. Linguistics students have the opportunity to join student groups, study abroad, and even present their work at the program’s annual conference. The linguistics program also regularly sponsors smaller events and invites speakers to the campus.

#45 – Montclair State University

Montclair, New Jersey

Website

Points: 7
Net Price: $14,798

The Department of Linguistics at Montclair State University offers several linguistics degree programs and courses in both applied and theoretical linguistics. These programs include a combined BA/MAT program, an MA in Applied Linguistics, and an MAT in Teaching English as a Second Language. Outside of traditional classes, students have many opportunities to learn through internships, workshops, research, and events hosted by the department. Students are also encouraged to participate in conferences and other events held by other schools and organizations.

#44 – Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $28,203

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Emory University’s program in linguistics offers a BA in Linguistics and a BA in Psychology and Linguistics. These degree programs are based in multiple departments, which reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the field. The program in linguistics sponsors several events, such as the annual Linguistics Students Research Symposium. Linguistics majors may also take advantage of the Honors Program in Linguistics, the Linguistics Study Abroad Program in Amsterdam, and the university’s many on-campus centers and institutes.

#43 – Boston College

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $26,335

Linguistics majors at Boston College are able to customize their education by building it around a specific area of emphasis with the help of faculty. The most common areas of emphasis are psycholinguistics, philology, and language acquisition. However, it is possible to take courses focusing on another area of emphasis. Students are also able to study abroad for a semester or over the summer. The linguistic degree program’s location in the unique Department of Slavic and Eastern Languages and Literatures also provides students with opportunities not usually available in other programs.

#42 – Duke University

Durham, North Carolina

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $21,764

The linguistics degree program at Duke University covers several theoretical approaches to the study of language, such as the psychology of language and the history of language. Special study options, including independent study and the Focus Program, are available to linguistics majors. The Focus Program provides first-year students with seminars designed around an interdisciplinary theme. Duke also offers several cross-cultural programs through its International House that may be beneficial to students studying language, including English, Spanish, and Chinese Conversation Clubs.

#41 – University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $14,786

Founded as an interdisciplinary program in 1969, the Linguistics Department at the University of Florida operates in tandem with five other departments at the school: Anthropology, English, Germanic and Slavic Languages, Romance Languages, and Speech. The school boasts a robust lineup of degree offerings, including two undergraduate minors, a BA in linguistics, a master’s option, and a PhD program. An experienced and diverse faculty leads students in meaningful research, which takes place within various laboratories such as the Brain and Language Laboratory, the Corpus Linguistics Laboratory, and the Language Over the Lifespan Laboratory.

#40 – University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $10,936

university-of-north-carolina-chapel-hill

UNC Chapel Hill offers flexible program options for both undergraduate and graduate students. After taking Introduction to Language, students pursuing a bachelor’s in linguistics can choose courses that suit their interests and career goals, such as Human Language and Animal Communication Systems, Philosophy of Language, and Language Deficits and Cognition. Highly motivated students may also choose to take advantage of the university’s dual BA/MA program. For graduate students, the school offers a stand-alone MA program with various focus options such as first-language acquisition, psycholinguistics, and sociolinguistics.

#39 – California State University – Long Beach

Long Beach, California

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $7,672

The Department of Linguistics at California State University–Long Beach houses not only strong graduate and undergraduate linguistics degree programs, but also state-of-the-art facilities. The Anthropology and Linguistics Lab gives students access to audio and video equipment as well as specialized software. The Linguistics Multi-Purpose Room is also a great resource for students and faculty who need a space for experiments, meetings, and any other linguistics-related activity. The department also offers its students opportunities to participate in internships, study abroad, and present at its annual Linguistics Student Research Symposium.

#38 – California State University – Fresno

Fresno, California

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $5,599

California State University–Fresno offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in linguistics, both of which include different options. The BA in linguistics program offers options in Interdisciplinary Language Studies, Computational Linguistics, Teaching English as a Second Language, and General Linguistics. Students in the MA program can choose between General Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language. The Department of Linguistics also provides events such as colloquia and specialized computer labs. Another resource available to students through the department is the Forensic Linguistics Institute, which facilitates research and work for linguistics majors.

#37 – Northeastern University

Boston, Massachusetts

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $30,546

Northeastern University’s linguistics degree program is one of the smallest majors on campus. This allows for smaller classes, closer community, and individual attention from professors. Because NU prioritizes experiential learning, all linguistics majors are required to complete at least one hands-on learning experience. Many students take advantage of the co-op program or research opportunities. Study abroad is also available. The active Linguistics Club is especially popular with majors because it provides an informal setting to compare experiences and participate in related activities.

#36 – Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $28,667

Northwestern University’s Department of Linguistics prides itself on its cooperation with several other departments, research facilities, and integrated approach to the study of language. Interdisciplinary research and education are emphasized at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Linguistics degree students regularly assist in faculty research or conduct independent research under faculty guidance. The NU Linguistics Labs are well-equipped and provide the low-noise environment specifically needed for linguistics experiments. The department and the clubs it sponsors host events such as colloquia, lunches, workshops, and dissertation defenses regularly throughout the year.

#35 – University of Connecticut

Storrs, Connecticut

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $19,049

The University of Connecticut offers two interdisciplinary linguistics degree options for undergraduates—a bachelor’s in Linguistics and Philosophy and a bachelor’s in Linguistics and Psychology—as well as a minor in linguistics. Graduate students may also pursue the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics. As part of their training, these students conduct theoretical research in high-level linguistics topics such as generative grammar and child language acquisition. All students have the benefit of attending the school’s Linguistics Colloquium Series where they learn from prominent linguistics scholars and teachers from across the country.

#34 – University of Texas at Austin

Austin, Texas

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $16,832

bachelor degree in astronomy

The Department of Linguistics at the University of Texas – Austin emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of language through connections to topics such as anthropology, philosophy, psychology, and even computer science. Undergraduate students are required to take a few core classes such as Language Change and Language Variation and Sound Patterns: From Sound to Word but are encouraged to choose upper-division linguistics courses that suit their needs and career goals. UT Austin graduate students may pursue a MA or PhD in linguistics. Both of these graduate degrees emphasize theoretical concepts in five core areas of linguistics: phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, and field methods.

#33 – University of California – Berkeley

Berkeley, California

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $16,655

university-of-california-berkeley

Linguistics degree hopefuls at the University of California–Berkeley enjoy an intimate learning environment and a vibrant community of scholars. Small class sizes and individualized instruction provide for meaningful learning in topics such as phonetics, cognition, syntax, and sociolinguistics, among others. In addition to an undergraduate major and minor, the school also offers a competitive 5-year PhD linguistics degree program which includes two years of research training, culminating in a dissertation. Undergraduates may also participate in linguistics research through the Linguistics Research Apprentice Practicum.

#32 – Georgia State University

Atlanta, Georgia

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $15,609

The Department of Applied Linguistics and English as a Second Language at Georgia State University is focused on using the study of language to solve real-world problems, as well as serving the university’s international students. The department is also home to the Language Perception, Assessment, and Learning Lab, which contains specialized software and equipment that can be used for research. Linguistics degree students are offered several opportunities to study abroad through the department’s partnerships with the Peace Corps and universities in other countries. Less adventurous students can take advantage of on-campus events, resources, and student organizations.

#31 – University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Twin Cities, Minnesota

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $15,589

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The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities’ Institute of Linguistics emphasizes research in the language sciences at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Many of the school’s research projects are funded by the National Science Foundation and are interdisciplinary in nature. Linguistics degree students and faculty members collaborate with other centers, institutes, and departments across campus including The Center for Cognitive Sciences, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and the Institute of Child Development. Graduate students in the schools’ MA and PhD programs are involved in more intensive research projects with faculty mentors.

#30 – University of Maryland – College Park

College Park, Maryland

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $14,833

University of Maryland

Undergraduate linguistics students at the University of Maryland-College Park are afforded opportunities usually only available to graduate students. For example, students pursuing a bachelor’s in linguistics may work alongside faculty members and graduate students in designing and executing experiments in the school’s Acquisition Lab and Cognitive Neuroscience Language Laboratory. Undergraduates interested in a more intensive research experience may apply for the Baggett Summer Scholarship, which enables students to participate in in-depth experimentation with a faculty mentor. The university also offers a PhD program in linguistics for graduate students.

#29 – University of California – San Diego

San Diego, California

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $13,693

The Department of Linguistics at the University of California–San Diego offers four different bachelor’s in linguistics majors in the areas of General Linguistics, Cognition and Language, Language and Society, and Language Studies as well as a research-intensive graduate program. UC San Diego graduate students work alongside faculty members in research labs devoted to topics such as computational linguistics, experimental syntax, language acquisition and sign languages, and speech production and perception. All linguistics students are encouraged to take advantage of study abroad opportunities, which range from summer programs to year-long experiences.

#28 – Purdue University

West Lafayette, Indiana

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $13,081

purdue-university

The linguistics degree program at Purdue University offers its students a flexible selection of courses and opportunities for hands-on learning. Faculty are active in research, and both graduate students and undergraduate students are able to participate in this research. One of this program’s most notable features is the interdisciplinary Purdue Linguistics Association. This organization provides a support system for both graduate and undergraduate students, and it hosts several events, such as workshops, speakers, and the PLA Symposium.

#27 – CUNY- Queens College

Queens, New York

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $6,728

queens-college

The Department of Linguistics and Communication Disorders at Queens College offers multiple degree programs for linguistics majors, such as a BA in General Linguistics, an MA in Applied Linguistics, and a BA in Applied Linguistics: TESOL. All of these linguistics degree programs integrate faculty research and prepare students for both employment and further study. The on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing center allows students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations by serving as an undergraduate laboratory while also serving the community. Other opportunities available to students include related extracurricular activities and professional development programs.

#25 – University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California

Website

Points: 10
Net Price: $31,189

university-of-southern-california

The Linguistics Department at the University of Southern California has been called one of the best linguistics programs in the world. Its undergraduate linguistics degree can be completed alone or combined with majors in psychology or philosophy. The university’s exclusive graduate program prepares select students to become linguistics researchers and professors through its 5-year research-intensive PhD program. Graduates of this program are routinely offered positions at prestigious universities across the country, many of which appear on this list. Research projects at the university are regularly funded by the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Health, and the Spencer Foundation.

#24 – Hofstra University

Hempstead, New York

Website

Points: 10
Net Price: $30,606

Hofstra University’s many linguistics degree programs and areas of specialization are designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of students. Undergraduate students may choose to specialize in Cultural Linguistics, Psycholinguistics, or Teaching English as a Second Language. Graduate students are able to take advantage of the department’s most unique program: Forensic Linguistics. This program is the first of its kind in the U.S. and prepares students for work both in the U.S. and internationally. The graduate linguistics program comes in a variety of forms, including an MA, a Dual BA/MA, and a PhD.

#23 – Brandeis University

Waltham, Massachusetts

Website

Points: 10
Net Price: $26,367

Brandeis University offers an undergraduate Language and Linguistics degree program, as well as a master’s and a doctoral program in Computational Linguistics. The undergraduate program is especially flexible, allowing students to choose an area of emphasis or take electives from other disciplines. Undergraduates with programming ability are also able to take courses from the graduate program. While the graduate programs are less flexible, they offer students an exceptional amount of opportunities, including research, internships, and professional networking.

#22 – Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio

Website

Points: 10
Net Price: $18,215

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The Department of Linguistics at Ohio State University offers an undergraduate program leading to a BA in linguistics degree and a graduate program leading to a PhD degree. Both of these programs are broad and rigorous. This program is highly regarded for its participation in international research activity and its regular hosting of workshops, conferences, and symposia. All students are encouraged to participate in the department’s research and events or gain hands-on experience through internships. Other enrichment opportunities are available through the active Underlings student organization, which hosts guest speakers, panels, and other events.

#21 – University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Website

Points: 10
Net Price: $15,850

university-of-michigan-at-ann-arbor

The Department of Linguistics at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor prides itself on being one of the only linguistics departments in the country that takes a comprehensive approach to the subject, taking into account various aspects of linguistics such as cognition, culture, and interaction. Undergraduates pursuing a major or minor in linguistics can take advantage of the many research opportunities available to them, and exceptional students may be eligible for the university’s Honors Program in Linguistics. Graduate students can pursue a PhD in Linguistics or create a customized, combined linguistics degree program.

#20 – University of California – Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California

Website

Points: 10
Net Price: $14,966

Founded in 1989, the Department of Linguistics at the University of California- Santa Barbara offers two undergraduate linguistics degree programs—a BA in Linguistics and a BA in Language, Culture, and Society. Linguistics majors may also choose an emphasis in a modern language such as Chinese, French, German, Japanese, or English. Students pursuing a bachelor’s in linguistics are encouraged to minor in a related subject such as American Indian and Indigenous Studies, Feminist Studies, and Speech and Hearing Sciences. The school also offers several post-graduate emphases resulting in a PhD in linguistics.

#19 – Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, New York

School Profile

Points: 10
Net Price: $13,352

stony-brook-university

As one of the most prominent linguistics research and training institutes in the United States, Stony Brook University has made notable changes and additions recently, including two new Experimental Linguistics laboratories as well as new specializations in Speech and Language Pathology and Computational Linguistics. The comprehensive Stony Brook Linguistics Department offers a full range of linguistics degrees including a BA in Linguistics and MA and PhD programs. Faculty research areas include Eastern Asian Languages, Morphology, Semantics, and Writing Systems among others.

#18 – Brigham Young University

Provo, Utah

Website

Points: 10
Net Price: $12,335

best mormon college

The Department of Linguistics and English Language at Brigham Young University offers exciting opportunities for both its graduate and its undergraduate students, including study abroad and internships. Through these opportunities and classroom activities, students regularly apply their education to real-world situations. One of the unique aspects of BYU’s linguistics degree program is its application of moral and religious principles to education. This is part of the university’s mission to prepare students for religious-centered work, which may be especially appealing to students planning to work in religious settings.

#17 – San Diego State University

San Diego, California

Website

Points: 10
Net Price: $10,085

Linguistics degree students studying at San Diego State University’s Department of Linguistics and Asian/Middle Eastern Languages have a wide variety of linguistics courses to choose from. This gives them the flexibility to take more courses that are relevant to their career path. On-campus resources include language acquisition and linguistics laboratories. Students also benefit from the department’s nature, which creates a unique atmosphere and allows for events and resources not found in most linguistics departments, such as large cultural events.

#16 – University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

Website

Points: 11
Net Price: $34,352

The University of Chicago is home to the oldest linguistics department in the country. The school offers a BA in linguistics, which provides students with a strong background in the scientific study of language. Although this bachelor’s in linguistics degree is flexible, allowing students to choose some courses based on their interests,  students must also take required core classes as well as three quarter sessions of a non-Indo-European language. The university also offers several joint doctoral programs in linguistics with departments such as Anthropology, Comparative Human Development, Psychology, and Slavic Languages and Literature.

#15 – Bucknell University

Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

Website

Points: 11
Net Price: $33,127

The linguistics degree program at Bucknell University offers its students variety in their education. Experiential learning is a priority at Bucknell. This means that during their time in the program, students learn through non-traditional study, seminars, advanced courses, and research. Some professors even include opportunities for real-world experience as part of their more traditional classes. A particularly interesting aspect of Bucknell is its learning communities. Affinity Housing and Residential Colleges are housing options built around students’ academic interests. This enables students to connect across disciplines and learn in a more casual environment.

#14 – University of Rochester

Rochester, New York

Website

Points: 11
Net Price: $32,996

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The University of Rochester is home to robust undergraduate and graduate linguistics programs. While undergraduates may declare a minor or a major in linguistics, graduate students can  pursue an MA in linguistics, an MA in language documentation and description, an MS in computational linguistics, or a doctoral degree through the university’s interdepartmental PhD program. All linguistics degree students enjoy a supportive and knowledgeable faculty who make significant research contributions in experimental syntax, experimental semantics, language documentation, and neuroscience.

#13 – University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website

Points: 11
Net Price: $22,694

Founded in 1947 by Zellig Harris, the Department of Linguistics at the University of Pennsylvania is the oldest modern linguistics department in the nation. For undergraduates, the school offers two minors, a major in linguistics, and an accelerated degree program resulting in a master’s degree in just four years. Graduate students pursuing the university’s Ph.D. program may choose areas of focus such as American Sign Language, Computational Linguistics, and Semantics, among others. UPenn is home to both the Institute for Research in Cognitive Sciences and the Linguistics Data Consortium.

#12 – New York University

New York, New York

Website

Points: 12
Net Price: $35,543

Linguistics students at New York University have access to several resources and opportunities, most of which are available to both graduate and undergraduate students. NYU is home to many high-tech research labs that facilitate student and faculty research in areas such as Morphology, Experimental Phonology, and Sociolinguistics. Students may study abroad, participate in internships, and attend events hosted by the department. Exceptional linguistics degree students can also apply to the Honors Program, which offers opportunities for independent study and advanced courses.

#11 – Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Website

Points: 12
Net Price: $28,537

Cornell University is a large private research university that offers its linguistics degree students many high-quality resources and exciting opportunities. Despite the size of the university, the Department of Linguistics is small. This allows students to enjoy smaller classes and individual attention without giving up the opportunities available at a large university. The department has multiple linguistics research labs, including the Computational Linguistics Lab, the Phonetics Lab, and the Language Documentation Lab. It also sponsors an honors program, student organizations, and an annual colloquium.

#10 – Georgetown University

Washington, D.C.

Website

Points: 12
Net Price: $25,786

Georgetown University offers multiple linguistics degree programs, including a PhD in Linguistics, an MS in Linguistics, and an accelerated Bachelor/Master’s program. Most of the degree programs include concentrations or a variation of the degree that allows for specialization. Both graduate and undergraduate students have opportunities for research, fieldwork, and related extracurricular activities. The Department of Linguistics regularly hosts events and sponsors two student groups. These many opportunities keep students engaged and prepare them for both work in the field and further study.

#9 – Dartmouth College

Hanover, New Hampshire

Website

Points: 12
Net Price: $21,277

dartmouth-college

Dartmouth College’s linguistics degree program offers its students a customizable education with several exciting opportunities to put this education into practice before graduation. The linguistics major can be modified with any other major, and students are able to choose courses that meet their needs and interests. Students have ample opportunities for research through Presidential Scholarships, honors thesis research, and grant-funded research assistantships. Students also regularly present their research at events such as the Harvard University Undergraduate Linguistics Colloquium and the Linguistic Society of America Annual Meeting.

#8 – Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island

Website

Points: 12
Net Price: $21,193

brown-university

Brown University offers a PhD in Linguistics and an undergraduate Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences degree program with a concentration in Linguistics. These programs are extremely interdisciplinary, especially in regards to research. Both graduate and undergraduate students are able to participate in research, even independent research. This independent research is facilitated by the department’s honors program, which is available to exceptional linguistics degree students. Other enrichment opportunities are also available through seminars and  events sponsored by the department.

#7 – Rice University

Houston, Texas

Website

Points: 12
Net Price: $20,512

rice-university

The Department of Linguistics at Rice University offers a BA in linguistics degree program and a PhD degree program. Students in both of these programs are able to customize their education by choosing one of many available specializations or concentrations, such as cognitive science, laboratory phonology, and language, culture, and society. Outside of the classroom, students can participate in a student organization or the events hosted by the department. These events include a weekly colloquium series and the biennial Symposium on Language and Linguistics.

#6 – Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan

Website

Points: 12
Net Price: $14,791

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Michigan State University is home to the Department of Linguistics and Germanic, Slavic, Asian, and African Languages. The department’s linguistics degree program offers its students a unique atmosphere in which to learn as well as a rigorous curriculum. This program is designed to educate students in the core areas of theoretical linguistics rather than applied linguistics. This is ideal for students only interested in researching or teaching linguistics. Students have many areas of specialization to choose from, and most of these areas have related research groups and labs.

#5 – Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Website

Points: 13
Net Price: $33,670

Carnegie Mellon University’s linguistics degree program accommodates students with a wide variety of interests. It is often combined with other programs such as Cognitive Science, Psychology, and Creative Writing. The program is also interdepartmental, giving students access to professors and courses outside of the department that the program is based in. Other resources available to this program’s interdisciplinary nature include the Language Technology Institute, which is housed in the university’s School of Computer Science. Students also have opportunities for experiential learning through study abroad and research.

#4 – Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut

Website

Points: 13
Net Price: $19,317

The Department of Linguistics at Yale University offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs with emphases in fields of study such as phonetics, phonology, syntax, historical linguistics, and more. Undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor’s in linguistics regularly participate in research alongside faculty members through paid positions, independent study, and assistantships. PhD students receive individualized attention from faculty to ensure adequate progress as well as financial assistance from the university throughout the five-year program.

#3 – Stanford University

Stanford, California

Website

Points: 13
Net Price: $17,952

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Stanford University offers a variety of degree programs for students interested in studying linguistics. In addition to an undergraduate major and minor in linguistics, the school offers a unique joint major in Computer Science and Linguistics. Exceptionally driven students may also apply to Stanford’s selective Coterminal Master’s program, which allows them to pursue a BA in linguistics and a MA in linguistics at the same time. For graduate students, the university has a stand-alone MA program as well as a doctoral program and a PhD minor.

#2 – Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Website

Points: 14
Net Price: $15,095

The Department of Linguistics at Harvard University prides itself in its wide variety of available courses, its small size, and its special opportunities. Linguistics degree students are encouraged to combine linguistics with a related field or participate in the Mind/Brain/Behavior program, an interdisciplinary program that allows students to take special courses, conduct research, and participate in events. Many opportunities are available outside of special programs, including department-sponsored workshops, seminars, and informal discussion among faculty and students.

#1 – Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Website

Points: 16
Net Price: $22,212

The Department of Linguistics and Philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is highly regarded for its research efforts. Student research is the primary focus of the department’s linguistics degree program. While priority is given to graduate students, there are some research assistantships available to undergraduates. Much of MIT’s linguistics research is conducted at the on-campus Language Acquisition Lab, which partners with local preschools and similar centers. The department also sponsors many activities, including fieldwork, colloquium series, and discussion groups.

This concludes our ranking of the top 50 great value colleges for linguistics.

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