by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 211 U.S. colleges awarded 1,533 degrees and certificates in Classical Languages & Literature. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 76% of graduates. College Factual ranks 16 schools in its 2027 Best Classical Languages & Literature Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Its 3 related occupations pay an average median salary of $56,790 a year.
Greek and Latin language and literature has been influential for centuries. Greek Mythology has lived on and still is a part of our culture today. The study of Classical Language and Literature educates students in the written and spoken traditions of ancient Rome and Greece. Students will be instructed in myths, stories, dialects and writings of the Greek and Latin language.
This program focuses on the development and origin of Greek and Latin Literature and Language. Students will not only be taught about the language itself, but also learn the culture and history of the Classical era. Some of the classes you will take include Beginning, Intermediate, and Advance Language Courses, Ancient Civilization and Cultural History, Mythology, Philosophy, Linguistics, and Folklore.
A degree in Classical Languages & Literature involves the study of Classics And Classical Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., classical languages & literature is a widely-pursued major, with 1,533 degrees awarded annually. 211 colleges award classical languages & literature degrees, an average of 7 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 42.
By level, the 1,533 awards include 1 certificates, 6 associate degrees, 1,164 bachelor’s degrees, 277 master’s degrees and 83 doctorates.
Women earned 60% of classical languages & literature degrees and certificates in the latest year (923 of 1,533). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (1,055) and Hispanic or Latino (156), and international students earned 80.
College Factual ranks 16 schools in its 2027 Best Classical Languages & Literature Schools ranking, including 14 for bachelor’s degrees and 5 for master’s degrees. It also ranks classical languages & literature schools within 9 states. In all, 211 colleges offer classical languages & literature programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Classical Languages & Literature Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common classical languages & literature credential is the bachelor’s degree: 1,164 of the 1,533 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to classical languages & literature call most for Speaking, Active Listening and Reading Comprehension, and for knowledge of English Language, Education and Training and Foreign Language, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Speech Clarity, Oral Expression and Oral Comprehension.
An open mind and a love for storytelling is crucial as students delve into ancient myths and stories. There is a very rich library of classic literature available to students who master the language. Someone with an interest in culture, history and sociology would find this major very intriguing and exciting.
In order to prepare for this major before college, it is recommended that students take Latin or Greek in high school if it is offered. Other classes that would be beneficial are World Geography, Philosophy, Western Civilization, and Humanities. These classes will help students learn the fundamentals before for majoring in this field. Some universities offer study-abroad programs in this major.
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How long a classical languages & literature degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 1 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 6 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1,164 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 277 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 83 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to classical languages & literature, at 45.2%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 45.2% |
| Doctoral degree | 28.2% |
| Master’s degree | 15.1% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 3.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 0.3% |
Source: O*NET Online.
3 occupations are related to Classical Languages & Literature, with an average median salary of $56,790; the strongest outlook belongs to Interpreters and Translators, at 12.2% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Spanish Teacher, Teacher, Language Teacher and Language Arts Teacher.
Education is a popular career path for graduates who majored in Classical Languages and Literature. You would be well prepared to teach Latin, Greek, English or History in a high school setting. You may also continue your education in order to become a University Professor.
Graduates also find work as a curator, managing and organizing collections at museums. They can inform and educate visitors on the historic, artistic and cultural value of significant items in the museum. You may also find work as a Translator or Interpreter. These individuals are the bridge of communication between two cultures. With the growing demand for worldwide business and travel, opportunities in this career are promising. Your salary will differ depending on what career you pursue and whether or not you continue your education.
The occupation related to classical languages & literature with the most projected jobs is Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, at 629,317.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | 629,317 | 7.3% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 571,954 | 1.8% |
| Interpreters and Translators | 424,722 | 12.2% |
Classical Languages & Literature graduates earn a median $49,987 four years after completing their program, $47,653 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 4 years | $49,987 |
| 5 years | $47,653 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to classical languages & literature is Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, with a median salary of $77,927.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $77,927 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $52,627 |
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $39,815 |
Classical Languages & Literature includes 4 concentrations that together award 1,533 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (1,338), Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other (89) and Latin Language and Literature (58). It has 16 similar majors in the Foreign Languages & Linguistics field, which together award 27,638 degrees a year; the largest are Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (12,344), Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services (7,420) and American Sign Language (2,471). Browse all Foreign Languages & Linguistics majors or the full list of college majors.
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