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Best Value Classics and Classical Languages Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Brown University students studying Classics and Classical Languages earn $47,260 after graduation, more than double what their counterparts make at Notre Dame despite similar graduation rates above 95%. This earnings gap reflects the broader value equation in classical studies, where CUNY Hunter College offers the most affordable path at just $2,446 net cost while still preparing students for careers in museums, libraries, and educational institutions across the Northeast. Public universities dominate the value market, with University of Florida combining low costs at $6,351 with strong earnings potential at $30,409. The field connects students to growing opportunities in cultural preservation and digital humanities roles, particularly as libraries and museums expand their online collections. Florida State maintains the lowest in-state tuition at $5,656, though graduates earn $22,824 on average. Ohio State bridges the gap with moderate costs and $35,060 earnings, reflecting the strong market for classical language skills in research and translation work throughout the Midwest.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $42,581
Net Price Range
$28,214
Avg. Program Earnings
70.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $26,353 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $6,351 $30,409 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
3 $10,997 $22,824 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
4 $18,292 $35,060 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
5 $26,572 $47,260 $68,230 95.9% 5.1%
6 $21,108 $26,933 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
7 $19,889 $21,964 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
8 $29,219 $29,685 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
9 $23,691 $21,508 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
10 $27,823 $20,140 $62,693 96.8% 12.9%
11 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
12 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
13 $39,061 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
14 $34,978 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
15 $32,191 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
16 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
17 $40,429 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
18 $40,690 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
19 $23,663 $48,268 72.7% 80.6%
20 $39,951 $67,020 75.9% 30.8%
21 $21,782 $15,669 71.5% 86.3%
22 $23,866 $30,310 50.8% 53.4%
23 $36,084 $62,350 71.2% 68.6%
24 $23,678 $48,602 73.3% 69.2%
25 $17,413 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
26 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
27 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
28 $25,766 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
29 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
30 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
31 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
32 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
33 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
34 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
35 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
36 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
37 $39,184 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%
38 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
39 $29,383 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
40 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
41 $28,617 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
42 $30,248 $64,348 84.5% 38.9%
43 $28,314 $65,740 91.3% 11.8%
44 $31,057 $63,268 72.7% 68.4%
45 $35,129 $55,450 67.1% 69.3%
46 $35,035 $60,438 88.5% 12.5%
47 $32,697 $44,405 75.8% 80.4%
48 $34,581 $65,030 81.7% 25.5%
49 $42,581 $61,992 80.3% 54.1%
50 $27,151 $40,150 70.4% 81.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Hunter College such an outstanding value for Classics students?

Hunter College offers the lowest net cost among all programs at just $2,446, making classical education accessible in one of the world's major cultural centers. Students graduate earning $26,353 on average while studying near the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Morgan Library, and numerous archaeological institutes. The 61% graduation rate reflects the challenging urban environment, but graduates gain direct access to New York's concentration of museums, auction houses, and cultural organizations. This combination of affordability and location creates unmatched opportunities for internships and career connections.

How do public university costs compare to private institutions for Classics programs?

Public universities offer dramatic savings, with Florida State charging just $5,656 for in-state students compared to Brown's $68,230 sticker price. Even accounting for financial aid, the gap remains substantial, with University of Florida's $6,351 net cost delivering $30,409 in graduate earnings. Temple University represents the higher end of public costs at $29,219 net price, but still provides better value than most private alternatives. The data shows public institutions consistently offer stronger return on investment in classical studies.

Is there a connection between graduation rates and post-graduation earnings in Classics?

The relationship proves more complex than expected, with Notre Dame achieving a 96.8% graduation rate but producing the lowest earnings at $20,140. Brown University combines a 95.9% graduation rate with the highest earnings at $47,260, suggesting program quality and location matter significantly. Ohio State demonstrates solid value with an 87.7% graduation rate and $35,060 earnings. Schools with graduation rates below 70% tend to show more variable outcomes, indicating that program completion strongly influences career prospects.

Does geographic location affect employment outcomes for Classics graduates?

Location plays a important role, with coastal and major metropolitan areas offering higher earnings potential. Brown University's $47,260 average earnings reflect Providence's proximity to Boston's research institutions and cultural organizations. Ohio State's $35,060 earnings demonstrate strong Midwest opportunities in education and museums, while University of Florida's $30,409 reflects growing cultural sectors in the Southeast. Schools near major archaeological sites, museums, and research libraries consistently produce better employment outcomes for their graduates.

Where can students find the best balance of affordability and career preparation?

University of Florida offers strong balance with $6,351 net costs and $30,409 earnings, plus a 91.5% graduation rate that ranks among the highest. Ohio State provides solid value at $18,292 net cost with strong $35,060 earnings potential and extensive alumni networks. CUNY Hunter College maximizes affordability at $2,446 while placing students in America's largest cultural market. These three schools demonstrate how strategic program selection can minimize debt while maximizing career prospects in classical studies.

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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.