2026 Best Linguistics & Comparative Literature Schools in District of Columbia

Linguistics & Comparative Literature is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best linguistics & comparative literature schools.

What’s on this page:

• Best Linguistics & Comparative Literature Schools in District of Columbia

Best Schools for Linguistics & Comparative Literature in District of Columbia

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall linguistics & comparative literature education in District of Columbia.

Top Schools in Linguistics & Comparative Literature

1

American University
Washington, DC

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

35 Linguistics & Comparative Literature Degrees Awarded

$52,493 Median Starting Salary

Our analysis ranked American University the best school in the country for a degree in linguistics & comparative literature. Set in the city of Washington, American University is a large private not-for-profit institution. American University graduates 76% of students within six years. There were roughly 35 linguistics & comparative literature students who graduated with this degree at American University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their linguistics & comparative literature degree from American University earn around $52,493 in the first couple years of their career. American University graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. See the full linguistics & comparative literature program report for American University

2

Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

72 Linguistics & Comparative Literature Degrees Awarded

$28,278 Median Starting Salary

Georgetown University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in linguistics & comparative literature, landing the #2 spot this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 72 linguistics & comparative literature degrees were awarded at Georgetown University in the most recent year. Students who receive their linguistics & comparative literature degree from Georgetown University earn around $28,278 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete this degree. See the full linguistics & comparative literature program report for Georgetown University

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 3 schools evaluated.

• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).

More about our data sources and methodologies.