Best languages to learn in college?

I always wanted to pick up a second language in college but I'm not sure which one. Can anyone provide insights on the easiest yet most useful languages to learn?

This question is interesting as it factors in both utility and ease of learning. Remember, the "best" language to learn can be highly subjective and depends significantly on what you aim to achieve.

If you plan to work in business or global politics, Mandarin Chinese could be an invaluable skill due to China's increasing influence on the global stage. However, Mandarin is considered one of the hardest languages for English speakers to learn.

Spanish, on the other hand, is one of the easier languages for English speakers to pick up, and it's also widely spoken – there are over 460 million native Spanish speakers worldwide, and it's the second most common language in the U.S. This makes it a useful choice, particularly if you're planning to stay or work in the United States.

French is another choice that is often popular due to its wide presence in international diplomacy. It's not as easy as Spanish but generally considered simpler than Mandarin.

If you consider the technological and engineering sectors, German might have an edge due to Germany's prominence in these fields.

Apart from these, studying Latin or Ancient Greek can be rewarding, more so academically, than practically as these languages often serve as the root for many English words and medical, legal, and scientific terminology.

Lastly, remember that the best language to learn is one that you're motivated to study. If you have a particular interest or connection to a language, it'll be easier for you to learn and you'll be more likely to stick with it.