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2026 Best Value Linguistics Schools in the The Plains States Region

4 Colleges in the United States
$22,760 Avg Student Debt
$63,133 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Linguistics Badge [Linguistics](/majors/foreign-languages-linguistics/linguistics-comparative-literature/linguistics/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 11 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for linguistics students.

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2026 Best Value Linguistics Schools in the The Plains States Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in linguistics, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Linguistics Schools

1

Leading the list is University Of Minnesota Twin Cities, our #1 best value for linguistics in the The Plains States Region. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,706 to complete the linguistics program here. Early-career linguistics graduates make about $28,340. Set against $18,706 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.

2
Truman State University crest
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO

Truman State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value linguistics schools. Set in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Typical student debt for linguistics graduates is $23,168. Linguistics graduates of Truman State University earn a median of $39,764 early in their careers. Set against $23,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants.

3
University Of Kansas crest
University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas is a great value for students pursuing a degree in linguistics, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Kansas is a very large public school located in the city of Lawrence. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete the linguistics program here. Soon after graduation, linguistics degree recipients from University Of Kansas generally make around $56,289. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants.

4

A rank of #4 makes Iowa State University one of the best values for linguistics. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Linguistics graduates carry a median of $24,793 in student loans. Early-career linguistics graduates make about $25,065. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.

5

A rank of #5 makes University Of Missouri Columbia one of the best values for linguistics. University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for linguistics graduates is $19,286. Soon after graduation, linguistics degree recipients from University Of Missouri Columbia generally make around $35,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

6
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa landed the #6 spot for linguistics value this year. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the linguistics program here. Early-career linguistics graduates make about $57,375. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 11 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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