Most studied languages in college?

Hello, all! Currently deciding which language to learn in school. What are the most popular languages studied by college students? Does the popularity impact the benefit of learning a particular language?

The majority of college students in the United States tend to study Spanish, French, and German, due to their extensive use globally and in business environments. Additionally, Mandarin Chinese and Japanese are increasingly popular because of the growing economic status of countries where these languages are predominant.

Despite this, it's worth mentioning that the "benefit" of learning a certain language isn't necessarily dictated by its popularity. The choice really depends on your personal interests, career goals, and plans for using the language in the future. For instance, if you're passionate about Russian literature, studying Russian may hold more value for you, even though it is less frequently studied than Spanish. Or, if you plan to work in international business where there's a specific demand for a less common language like Arabic, you might gain significant advantage by choosing that.

Remember that learning a language is a considerable time commitment, so it's crucial to consider your personal affinity and interest in the language and culture, not just popularity and potential career utility. Be sure to check out the resources available on your college campus, as well. Your academic advisor can be a great source of advice tailored specifically to your needs and long-term goals during your college career.