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Best Value Linguistic Colleges in Virginia

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

Old Dominion University delivers the strongest value proposition for language studies majors in Virginia at just $14,170 net cost while producing graduates earning $37,208 annually. This advantage reflects the school's strategic position in Norfolk, where defense contractors like Northrop Grumman require linguists and cultural specialists for international operations. The 13 Virginia programs show remarkable cost variation, with net prices spanning nearly $10,000 between the most and least expensive options. Federal government proximity creates steady demand for language professionals, particularly those with comparative linguistics training who can support diplomatic and intelligence functions across the Washington metropolitan region.
13
Programs
$14,170 – $23,790
Net Price Range
$35,539
Avg. Program Earnings
70.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

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

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,170 $37,208 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
2 $18,287 $39,369 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
3 $18,849 $39,909 $20,484 81.8% 71.1%
4 $21,816 $40,821 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
5 $21,108 $35,060 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
6 $19,452 $28,960 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
7 $22,197 $31,670 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
8 $23,790 $31,314 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
9 $22,529 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
10 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
11 $20,814 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
12 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
13 $22,881 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Old Dominion University the top value choice for language studies?

ODU combines the lowest net cost at $14,170 with solid graduate earnings of $37,208, creating the best return on investment among Virginia's language programs. The university's 95% acceptance rate makes it accessible to most applicants seeking quality language education.

How do public and private costs compare for language studies in Virginia?

Public universities dominate the value market, with 11 of the 13 programs offering significantly lower costs than private alternatives. Emory & Henry University stands as the lone private option at $20,591 net cost, while public schools range from $14,170 to $23,790.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Virginia language studies?

Higher-cost programs generally show stronger completion rates, with University of Virginia leading at 95% graduation and William & Mary at 91%. However, James Madison University proves this isn't absolute, achieving an 81% graduation rate while maintaining reasonable costs at $21,816 net price.

Where do Virginia language studies graduates find the highest-paying opportunities?

James Madison University graduates command the highest starting salaries at $40,821, followed closely by Virginia Military Institute at $39,909. The federal government corridor offers premium compensation for linguists with security clearances and specialized regional expertise.

More Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Rankings

Cheapest Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services in Virginia Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Under $20,000 in Virginia

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All Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Programs Best Colleges in Virginia Best Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services in Virginia

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