Cheapest Linguistic Colleges in Texas

Texas Southmost College offers the state's most affordable Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies program at just $5,458 net cost, creating an extraordinary $36,484 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options. This dramatic range reflects Texas's unique position as a major international trade gateway, where linguistic skills serve critical roles in border commerce and global business operations. The state's proximity to Mexico and status as a leading export economy make language professionals essential for companies navigating cross-cultural communications. Rice University commands the highest net cost at $12,640 despite being private, while public institutions dominate the affordable end of the spectrum. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Texas Southmost's 26.80% to Rice's impressive 95.70%. Stephen F Austin graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $42,682, more than double the lowest earnings of $18,771 at UT San Antonio, demonstrating how program quality and regional connections can substantially impact career outcomes.

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	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Texas Southmost College Brownsville, Texas	$5,458	$3,148	26.8%
2	The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, Texas	$6,500	$9,859	49.3%	87.7%
3	The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, Texas	$10,726	$9,744	45.9%	99.9%
4	The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, Texas	$11,234	$8,991	51.2%	86.9%
5	Lamar University Beaumont, Texas	$11,429	$8,690	37.2%	83.7%
6	Rice University Houston, Texas	$12,640	$58,128	95.7%	8.7%
7	University of Houston Houston, Texas	$13,853	$9,711	64.9%	66.2%
8	University of North Texas Denton, Texas	$14,352	$11,164	59.6%	79.1%
9	Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, Texas	$15,152	$10,600	51.7%	89.5%
10	The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, Texas	$15,235	$11,728	56.5%	80.8%
11	The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, Texas	$17,435	$14,564	70.8%	84.7%
12	Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio, Texas	$17,760	$31,728	42.4%
13	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas	$19,678	$11,678	87.6%	31.4%
14	Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas	$20,071	$11,852	67.5%	67.3%
15	Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, Texas	$20,924	$13,099	83.8%	62.7%
16	University of Dallas Irving, Texas	$25,470	$50,880	68.0%	58.7%
17	Baylor University Waco, Texas	$41,942	$54,844	80.2%	45.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas Southmost College's program so much cheaper than other options?

Texas Southmost College's net cost of $5,458 reflects its community college model and location in Brownsville, a border city with lower operational costs. The school serves a predominantly local student population with significant financial need. However, this affordability comes with trade-offs, as the graduation rate stands at 26.80%, well below the state average for linguistic programs.

How do earnings compare between the most and least expensive programs?

Stephen F Austin State University graduates earn $42,682 annually despite the school's moderate $15,152 net cost, while UT San Antonio graduates start at $18,771 with an $11,234 net cost. This suggests that program quality and regional job placement matter more than tuition costs. Rice University, despite its higher price point, doesn't report earnings data for this specific major.

Is Rice University worth the premium cost for linguistic studies?

Rice University's $12,640 net cost delivers a 95.70% graduation rate, the highest among Texas programs, though it accepts only 8.68% of applicants. The school's reputation and small class sizes provide significant advantages for graduate school placement and competitive career opportunities. However, earnings data isn't available to directly compare return on investment with more affordable state schools.

Where do graduates find the best job opportunities in Texas?

Texas's position as the nation's leading exporter creates strong demand for linguistic professionals in Houston's international business sector and along the Mexico border. The state's $2.4 trillion economy relies heavily on trade relationships requiring cross-cultural communication skills. Major metropolitan areas like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio also offer government positions and corporate roles for language specialists in their growing international business communities.

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

Best Value Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services in Texas Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Under $20,000 in Texas

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

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