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Rice University offers the most surprising value proposition among Texas language programs, with a net price of just $12,640 despite its $58,128 sticker price and 95.70% graduation rate. At the other extreme, Stephen F Austin State University graduates earn $42,682 annually, the highest among all 17 programs, while maintaining reasonable costs at $15,152 net price. Texas public universities generally charge between $10,726 and $20,924 for language studies, with earnings ranging from $18,771 to $42,682. The state's growing international business sector and proximity to Mexico create strong demand for multilingual professionals, particularly in Houston's energy industry and San Antonio's military installations. Border cities like El Paso and Brownsville provide unique opportunities for Spanish-English interpretation services.
17
Programs
$5,458 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$26,595
Avg. Program Earnings
61.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,152 $42,682 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
2 $10,726 $24,035 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
3 $11,234 $18,771 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
4 $15,235 $25,194 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
5 $17,435 $23,693 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
6 $19,678 $25,194 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
7 $12,640 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
8 $20,071 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
9 $20,924 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
10 $41,942 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
11 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
12 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
13 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
14 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
15 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
16 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
17 $25,470 $50,880 68.0% 58.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $24,211 earnings difference between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

Stephen F Austin State University graduates earn $42,682 annually, while UT San Antonio graduates average $18,771. Geographic location plays a significant role, as does program specialization and internship opportunities. Stephen F Austin's location in East Texas provides access to international business corridors, while San Antonio's large Spanish-speaking population creates different career paths typically focused on community services and education.

How does Rice University achieve such low net costs for language students?

Rice University's $12,640 net price represents substantial financial aid despite the $58,128 published tuition. The university meets full demonstrated need for admitted students and maintains a large endowment. With only an 8.68% acceptance rate, Rice selects students who qualify for significant aid packages, making it surprisingly affordable for qualifying families.

Is there a correlation between program cost and graduation rates in Texas?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, with Rice at 95.70% and UT Austin at 87.60%. However, Texas Southmost College breaks this pattern with a 26.80% graduation rate despite its $5,458 net price. Mid-range public universities like UT Dallas achieve 70.80% graduation rates at $17,435 net cost, suggesting diminishing returns beyond certain price points.

Where do Texas language graduates find the most career opportunities?

Houston's international energy sector employs many language specialists for global operations and translation services. San Antonio's military installations require linguists for intelligence and communication roles. Border regions like El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley need court interpreters, customs officials, and healthcare translators. Austin's tech industry increasingly values multilingual professionals for international market expansion.

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