Foreign Languages Colleges Under $20,000

UCLA and UC Berkeley demonstrate that top-tier language programs remain accessible, with net costs of $14,013 and $14,979 respectively despite their selective admissions rates of 8.57% and 11.33%. These California schools anchor a national market where Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics programs span from CUNY Queens College at just $3,830 to mid-range options around $15,000. The field connects directly to America's growing need for multilingual professionals in international business, government agencies, and cultural organizations. Graduation rates vary dramatically across institutions, from University of Alaska Fairbanks at 36.7% to UC Berkeley's impressive 92.9%. Mid-career earnings show promise, with University of Hawaii at Manoa graduates earning $35,625 annually while University of West Georgia alumni reach $32,925. Public institutions dominate this affordable tier, offering language study opportunities from Queens to Honolulu. The $13,000 gap between the lowest and highest costs reflects regional funding differences rather than program quality, as California's UC system proves that top-tier language education doesn't require premium pricing.

Programs

$3,830 – $19,067

Net Price Range

$30,730

Avg. Program Earnings

60.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	CUNY Queens College Queens, New York	$3,830	$7,538	60.2%	69.5%
2	California State University-Northridge Northridge, California	$7,599	$7,095	56.2%	91.2%
3	Murray State University Murray, Kentucky	$9,121	$9,708	59.5%	84.0%
4	University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska	$9,634	$8,640	36.7%
5	Indiana State University Terre Haute, Indiana	$12,188	$9,992	41.1%	92.3%
6	University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, Hawaii	$13,181	$12,186	62.6%	72.8%
7	Augusta University Augusta, Georgia	$13,347	$8,122	48.6%	85.5%
8	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
9	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, Arizona	$13,670	$12,051	67.8%	89.8%
10	University of California-Riverside Riverside, California	$13,707	$14,170	76.6%	68.7%
11	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, California	$14,013	$13,747	92.7%	8.6%
12	SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, New York	$14,229	$8,486	36.0%	86.0%
13	Wayne State University Detroit, Michigan	$14,773	$14,297	56.5%	75.3%
14	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, California	$14,979	$14,850	92.9%	11.3%
15	University of West Georgia Carrollton, Georgia	$15,450	$5,971	42.7%	80.1%
16	Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale, Illinois	$16,177	$13,244	56.3%	91.5%
17	Southern Oregon University Ashland, Oregon	$16,470	$12,093	44.2%	88.0%
18	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia	$16,531	$5,905	52.1%	88.9%
19	Framingham State University Framingham, Massachusetts	$16,698	$11,630	49.5%	87.4%
20	University of Delaware Newark, Delaware	$16,931	$16,080	78.8%	73.8%
21	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972	$5,786	48.1%	67.9%
22	State University of New York at Oswego Oswego, New York	$17,231	$8,769	60.4%	82.6%
23	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
24	Andrews University Berrien Springs, Michigan	$18,597	$33,710	65.9%	91.3%
25	SUNY at Purchase College Purchase, New York	$19,067	$8,953	61.6%	74.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge graduation rate differences between similar programs?

Graduation rates range from 36% at University of Alaska Fairbanks to over 90% at UCLA and UC Berkeley, reflecting institutional support systems rather than program difficulty. Schools like University of Washington Seattle achieve 83.7% graduation rates through structured language immersion and study abroad partnerships. Regional factors like job market access and student demographics significantly impact completion, with urban campuses typically showing higher retention than remote locations.

How do California schools maintain low costs despite high demand?

UC Berkeley and UCLA keep net costs around $14,000-$15,000 through substantial state funding and need-based aid programs. California's Master Plan for Higher Education subsidizes language programs that serve the state's international trade economy. Despite acceptance rates below 12%, these schools maintain affordability through grants that cover most tuition for middle-income families, making elite language education accessible to varied students.

Is the $3,830 cost at CUNY Queens College sustainable for quality education?

CUNY Queens College achieves its remarkably low net cost through New York State's Excelsior Scholarship and substantial city funding for language programs. The school maintains a 60.2% graduation rate and 69.48% acceptance rate while serving one of America's most linguistically varied populations. This model works because Queens students often live at home, reducing total education costs while accessing faculty who work in New York's international business sector.

Does location impact earning potential for language graduates?

University of Hawaii graduates earn $35,625 annually, benefiting from Hawaii's tourism industry and Pacific Rim business connections that value multilingual skills. University of West Georgia alumni earn $32,925 despite the school's 42.7% graduation rate, reflecting Georgia's growing international manufacturing sector. Coastal and border states typically offer higher salaries for language professionals due to increased international commerce and cultural exchange opportunities.

What makes some affordable programs more selective than others?

University of Washington Seattle maintains 47.52% acceptance while keeping costs at $13,485 through strong state support and competitive applicant pools drawn to the Pacific Northwest's Asia-Pacific business connections. Schools like Murray State University accept 83.98% of applicants at $9,121 net cost, serving regional needs for language teachers and translators. Selectivity often correlates with urban location and research opportunities rather than program cost.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.