Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics: degree ROI, salary & best colleges
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics graduates earn a median $49,429 four years after finishing — $1,069/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. At a typical $16,902/yr net price ($67,608 over four years), that pays back in about 63.2 years. Federal data pools 253 bachelor's programs graduating roughly 1,075 students a year. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026 · our math.)
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ranks #170 of 202 bachelor's fields by earnings — pays more than 16% of majors.
| # | College | State | Grad earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | College of the Holy Cross | MA | $52,639 |
| 2 | Florida State University | FL | $50,542 |
| 3 | University of Missouri-Columbia | MO | $46,920 |
College Scorecard field-of-study (2026), program-level median earnings for this CIP · our ranking.
How we compute this. Earnings are the national median for graduates of this field measured 1 and 4 years after completion (Scorecard field-of-study, bachelor's). Premium = 4-year earnings − the $48,360 high-school baseline. Payback = a representative 4-year net cost (median college net price × 4) ÷ premium. Field medians blend every school — a specific program can pay far more or less. Full method on the methodology page; the field ranking is on ROI by major.
How fast does Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics pay grow after graduation?
From — one year out to $49,429 four years out — a $49,429 climb over three years. Both are federal medians of the same graduating cohorts, so the gap reflects real wage progression rather than a change in who is measured.
How many students graduate in Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics each year?
About 1,075 bachelor's graduates a year across 253 programs in the federal file. Cohort size matters when reading the median: a field this size averages across a wide range of employers, regions and job titles.