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Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics: degree ROI, salary & best colleges

Bachelor's · CIP 1612 · ~1,075 graduates/yr · 253 programs

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

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 $16,906/yr net price ($67,624 over four years), that pays back in about 63.3 years. Federal data pools 253 bachelor's programs graduating roughly 1,075 students a year. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026 · our math.)

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Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ranks #170 of 202 bachelor's fields by earnings — pays more than 16% of majors.

Pays more than 16% of majors#170 of 202
Lowest-payingHighest-paying
$49,429
Median earnings, 4 yrs out
Scorecard, 2026
—
Median earnings, 1 yr out
Scorecard, 2026
$1,069
Premium over HS baseline
Our math, 2026
63.3 yrs
Payback at median price
Our math, 2026
Colleges with the strongest Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics earnings
#CollegeStateGrad earnings
1College of the Holy CrossMA$52,639
2Florida State UniversityFL$50,542
3University of Missouri-ColumbiaMO$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.

Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics: frequently asked questions

Is a Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics degree worth it?
On national medians, yes. 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 — so a typical $67,624 four-year net cost pays back in about 63.3 years.
How much do Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics graduates earn?
A median $49,429 four years after completing the degree, and — one year out (Scorecard field-of-study, bachelor's). That pools 253 programs and roughly 1,075 graduates a year.
What is the payback on a Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics degree?
About 63.3 years at a typical $16,906/yr net price — we divide the $67,624 four-year cost by the $1,069/yr earnings premium over the high-school baseline.
Which colleges are best for a Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics degree?
By graduate earnings, College of the Holy Cross, Florida State University, University of Missouri-Columbia lead among the programs we track. The full ranked list is above, each linked to its ROI profile.