Cheapest Foreign Languages Colleges

CUNY Queens College offers the nation's most affordable Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics program at just $3,830 net cost, making graduate language education accessible in one of the world's most linguistically varied cities. The program capitalizes on New York's position as a global business center where multilingual professionals command premium salaries in international trade, diplomacy, and cultural organizations. While costs range dramatically across the 20 most affordable programs, from Queens College's bargain rate to University of West Georgia's $15,450, the earnings potential varies just as widely. Hawaii graduates average $35,625 annually, reflecting the state's tourism and military translation needs, while Indiana State graduates start at $21,052. California State University-Northridge accepts 91% of applicants at $7,599 net cost, providing West Coast access to language careers in entertainment, technology, and international business sectors.

Programs

$3,830 – $35,035

Net Price Range

$31,451

Avg. Program Earnings

67.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

47 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%
26	Columbia University in the City of New York New York, New York	$20,148	$69,045	95.0%	4.0%
27	Mississippi College Clinton, Mississippi	$20,911	$21,698	62.8%	40.0%
28	Elmhurst University Elmhurst, Illinois	$21,063	$41,628	65.2%	76.0%
29	Binghamton University Vestal, New York	$21,364	$10,363	83.6%	41.8%
30	Clemson University Clemson, South Carolina	$22,112	$15,554	87.9%	43.0%
31	Alfred University Alfred, New York	$22,701	$39,530	55.5%	50.6%
32	Averett University Danville, Virginia	$23,262	$38,550	43.6%	76.0%
33	Agnes Scott College Decatur, Georgia	$24,224	$48,150	70.5%	66.5%
34	Alma College Alma, Michigan	$24,663	$47,430	63.7%	64.7%
35	Hampden-Sydney College Hampden-Sydney, Virginia	$24,668	$52,388	65.3%	39.8%
36	St Bonaventure University Saint Bonaventure, New York	$27,151	$40,150	70.4%	81.1%
37	Miami University-Oxford Oxford, Ohio	$27,662	$17,809	81.8%	87.9%
38	Clark University Worcester, Massachusetts	$27,711	$55,160	77.1%	50.3%
39	Dartmouth College Hanover, New Hampshire	$28,619	$65,739	96.0%	6.4%
40	University of Scranton Scranton, Pennsylvania	$30,528	$52,309	80.8%	84.4%
41	St Lawrence University Canton, New York	$30,561	$63,870	79.7%	63.5%
42	Hobart William Smith Colleges Geneva, New York	$31,057	$63,268	72.7%	68.4%
43	Saint Mary's College of California Moraga, California	$31,198	$56,134	69.0%	87.9%
44	Bennington College Bennington, Vermont	$31,918	$64,644	66.7%	45.3%
45	Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts	$32,116	$63,141	90.4%	6.8%
46	Trinity College Hartford, Connecticut	$35,009	$67,420	82.8%	36.1%
47	New York University New York, New York	$35,035	$60,438	88.5%	12.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Queens College the most affordable option for foreign language studies?

Queens College charges just $3,830 in net costs while maintaining a 60% graduation rate and accepting 69% of applicants. The school benefits from New York City's extensive language communities, providing immersion opportunities without study abroad expenses. Students access internships with international organizations, consulates, and multinational corporations headquartered in Manhattan.

How do University of California schools compare in cost and outcomes for language majors?

UC Berkeley and UCLA both cost around $14,000 annually but deliver strong results with 93% and 92% graduation rates respectively. Berkeley accepts only 11% of applicants while UCLA admits 9%, making them highly selective. UC Riverside offers similar quality at $13,707 with a more accessible 69% acceptance rate and strong 77% graduation rate.

Where do graduates earn the highest starting salaries in affordable language programs?

University of Hawaii Manoa graduates average $35,625, the highest among affordable programs, benefiting from Hawaii's tourism industry and Pacific military installations requiring Asian language specialists. University of West Georgia graduates earn $32,925 despite the program's 43% graduation rate. Indiana State shows the lowest earnings at $21,052, reflecting regional economic conditions in Terre Haute.

Does University of Alaska Fairbanks offer value despite its low graduation rate?

Alaska Fairbanks costs $9,634 with a concerning 37% graduation rate, the lowest among these programs. However, the program serves Alaska's unique needs for Russian, Indigenous languages, and Asian languages critical for North Pacific trade relationships. The harsh climate and remote location contribute to retention challenges but create specialized career opportunities.

Is Arizona State University's language program worth the investment at $13,670?

ASU delivers solid value with a 68% graduation rate and 90% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. The Tempe location provides access to growing Southwest markets requiring Spanish fluency and emerging Asian business connections. The program costs $13,670 but offers extensive online components and study abroad partnerships that reduce overall expenses.

More Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other Rankings

Best Value Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other Under $20,000

All Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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