Best Schools for Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics graduates earn a median of $50,033 within four years of graduating, ranking #246 out of 283 tracked majors — 20% below the median across all fields. There are 11 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 52 recent graduates.

Earnings for Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics vary little between colleges — $46,920 to $52,639 from bottom to top. That is the usual pattern: the field you choose separates earnings more than the college you choose.

Schools

$50,033

Avg. 2yr Earnings

#246

of 283 Majors

Graduates

Public vs Private: Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Public (8 schools)

$48,731

avg. 2yr earnings

Private (3 schools)

$52,639

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $3,908 more in early earnings on average for Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics by State

Top Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Schools by Graduate Earnings

College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, MA · Private

$52,639

4yr Earnings

16 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 21.1%

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL · Public

$50,542

4yr Earnings

23 grads · small sample

2yr: $22,824 (14)

1yr: $27,038 (16)

Acceptance: 25.4%

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO · Public

$46,920

4yr Earnings

18 grads · small sample

2yr: $21,964 (11)

1yr: $27,002 (18)

Acceptance: 77.0%

Brown University

Providence, RI · Private

$47,260

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 5.2%

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public

$35,060

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 50.8%

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL · Public

$30,409

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 24.0%

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public

$29,685

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 82.9%

University of Mary Washington

Fredericksburg, VA · Public

$26,933

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 86.3%

CUNY Hunter College

New York, NY · Public

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · Public

$21,508

2yr Earnings

18 grads · small sample

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN · Private

$20,140

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 12.4%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Biology, General $28,687 Historic Preservation and Conservation $28,581 Communications Technology/Technician $28,382 Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services $28,315 Literature $28,232 Religious Education $28,094

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics?

College of the Holy Cross ranks #1 for Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics with median graduate earnings of $52,639 within four years of graduating. There are 11 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.

How much do Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics graduates earn?

Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics graduates earn an average of $50,033 within four years of graduating. This is 20% below the median across all majors. Earnings range from $46,920 to $52,639 depending on the school.

How hard is it to get into a top Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics program?

The average acceptance rate across Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics programs is 45.2%. The most selective program is at Brown University with a 5.2% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.

Is a public or private school better for Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics?

Private Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics programs average $52,639 in early earnings vs $48,731 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders, from the field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release — Scorecard publishes the two separately.

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