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Best Value Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages Colleges

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

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates in Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages earn just $20,140 annually despite the program's 93.20% graduation rate, creating one of the field's most puzzling value propositions. Meanwhile, Notre Dame commands a $27,823 net price but delivers $53,358 in earnings, nearly triple Michigan's outcome. This earnings gap reflects the specialized nature of these language programs, where success often depends on connecting academic training with government agencies, international organizations, and cultural institutions concentrated in major metropolitan areas. The State Department alone employs hundreds of specialists in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and other regional languages, with starting salaries varying dramatically based on security clearance levels and posting locations. Public universities dominate the affordability rankings, with eight of the ten lowest net prices coming from state institutions, though private colleges like Brigham Young University prove exceptions at just $14,487 annually. The field's 20 programs span from North Dakota's Minot State at $12,514 to Pennsylvania's Bucknell at $40,429, reflecting vastly different institutional approaches to preparing students for careers in translation, cultural analysis, and international relations.
50
Programs
$3,482 – $47,560
Net Price Range
$35,464
Avg. Program Earnings
69.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,590 $36,848 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
2 $27,823 $53,358 $62,693 96.8% 12.9%
3 $21,364 $40,485 $10,363 83.6% 41.8%
4 $14,487 $26,353 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
5 $19,678 $35,600 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
6 $14,832 $20,140 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
7 $17,413 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
8 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
9 $21,955 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
10 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
11 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
12 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
13 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
14 $40,429 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
15 $12,932 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
16 $23,866 $30,310 50.8% 53.4%
17 $35,129 $55,450 67.1% 69.3%
18 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%
19 $23,880 $34,050 49.7% 47.3%
20 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
21 $29,383 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
22 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
23 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
24 $12,514 $8,634 47.8% 93.2%
25 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
26 $47,560 $49,900 83.7% 63.2%
27 $22,881 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
28 $13,339 $17,452 65.4% 97.3%
29 $16,189 $11,450 14.3% 88.9%
30 $14,059 $17,472 56.9% 92.2%
31 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
32 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
33 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
34 $24,659 $20,280 65.7% 75.1%
35 $26,067 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
36 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
37 $23,992 $33,027 64.2%
38 $21,660 $27,900 65.5% 48.2%
39 $25,934 $65,280 92.6% 12.7%
40 $41,778 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%
41 $25,255 $33,322 31.1% 62.3%
42 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
43 $41,942 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
44 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
45 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
46 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
47 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
48 $41,945 $56,543 78.5% 40.6%
49 $15,342 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
50 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $33,218 earnings gap between Notre Dame and Michigan graduates?

Notre Dame graduates earn $53,358 compared to Michigan's $20,140, likely reflecting different career pathways and geographic employment patterns. Notre Dame's higher earnings may stem from stronger alumni networks in government and international business sectors. Michigan's lower figure could indicate more graduates pursuing academic or nonprofit work immediately after graduation. The 44-point difference in graduation rates (96.80% vs 93.20%) suggests different student preparation levels as well.

How do public universities compare to private colleges in program value?

Public universities offer significantly lower costs, with schools like Minot State charging $12,514 compared to private institutions averaging over $25,000. However, graduation rates tell a mixed story, ranging from 47.80% at Minot State to 88.60% at Maryland-College Park. Private colleges like Davidson achieve 91.90% graduation rates but cost substantially more. The University of Texas at Austin demonstrates strong public value with $19,678 costs and 87.60% graduation rates.

Does geographic location affect career outcomes in these programs?

Location appears important, with Austin and College Park graduates likely benefiting from proximity to government agencies and international organizations. Michigan's surprisingly low earnings of $20,140 contrast with its academic reputation, suggesting local job market limitations. Notre Dame's $53,358 outcomes may reflect access to major metropolitan areas and federal employment opportunities. Regional concentrations of diplomatic, intelligence, and cultural institutions significantly impact starting salary potential.

What graduation rate patterns emerge across different institution types?

Elite private colleges consistently achieve the highest completion rates, with Notre Dame reaching 96.80% and Davidson at 91.90%. Public research universities like Michigan (93.20%) and Texas (87.60%) maintain strong retention despite larger enrollment sizes. Smaller public institutions show more variable outcomes, from Cleveland State's 48.90% to Cincinnati's 71.50%. The 49-point spread between highest and lowest graduation rates reflects significant differences in student support and academic rigor.

Is Brigham Young University's low cost sustainable for quality education?

BYU's $14,487 net cost represents strong value given its 82.20% graduation rate and established language programs. The university's religious mission and substantial endowment support enable below-market pricing for both LDS and non-LDS students. However, graduates earn $26,353 annually, placing them in the middle range among these programs. BYU's acceptance rate of 66.67% suggests selective but accessible admission standards compared to other private institutions.

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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.