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HUMANITIES Specialization

Romance Languages

Romance Languages graduates earn $55,000 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $38,411 and $73,324. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Romance Languages

Romance Languages is a focused area of study within Languages. Graduates typically earn around $55,000 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 1,009 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 13,043 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $34,510
Median Earnings · 4yr: $55,000
Colleges Offering: 1,009
Graduates / Year: 13,043
Avg Net Price / yr: $19,295

How Much Do Romance Languages Graduates Earn?

Romance Languages graduates earn $55,000 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $38,411 and $73,324. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $34,510 climbs to $55,000 by year four.

$34,510

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$55,000

4-Year National Median

Near the national median for college graduates.

$56,122

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Romance Languages graduates. Career path divergence explains most of the range. Law, consulting, and tech-adjacent roles pull the top end up; writing, education, and nonprofit roles tend to sit near the bottom.

$38,411 25th pct.

$55,000 Median

$73,324 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $55,000 and an estimated $77,180 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.1 years.

Based on outcomes from 877 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 13,043 students who complete Romance Languages programs each year, the majority (79%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

79%

Bachelor's 79%

Master's 8%

Associate's 8%

What Can You Do With a Romance Languages Degree?

Romance Languages connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Foreign Language and Literature Teachers leads at $79,350/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↘ -0.2% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers

$79,350

$63K $103K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 1,900 openings/yr 20K employed nationally

Speaking Learning Strategies Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.

↘ -1.6% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Secondary School Teacher

$72,040

$60K $93K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 66,200 openings/yr 1.1M employed nationally

Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening Learning Strategies Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.

↗ +1.7% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Interpreters and Translators

$60,170

$47K $81K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 6,900 openings/yr 52K employed nationally

Speaking Active Listening Reading Comprehension Writing Critical Thinking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.
Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.

Top Colleges for Romance Languages

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Romance Languages students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public	179	45.2%	$17,354	$73,792
2	University of Arizona Tucson, AZ · Public	132	86.1%	$16,674	$59,979
3	Brigham Young University Provo, UT · Nonprofit	127	67.8%	$15,564	$75,790
4	University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA · Public	111	16.8%	$21,565	$86,863
5	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH · Public	108	60.6%	$17,339	$60,409
6	University of California-Davis Davis, CA · Public	100	41.8%	$14,741	$80,838
7	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public	97	15.6%	$13,138	$83,648
8	Middlebury College Middlebury, VT · Nonprofit	92	10.8%	$31,483	$76,310
9	Florida International University Miami, FL · Public	89	54.7%	$9,288	$60,249
10	New York University New York, NY · Nonprofit	86	9.2%	$37,050	$82,509
11	University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN · Nonprofit	86	11.3%	$26,780	$99,980
12	San Diego State University San Diego, CA · Public	84	36.2%	$15,364	$64,909
13	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN · Public	83	79.8%	$16,778	$69,020
14	Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, IN · Public	82	78.2%	$16,264	$63,742
15	University of Oregon Eugene, OR · Public	82	88.3%	$22,182	$61,324
16	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA · Public	81	59.7%	$22,383	$71,631
17	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC · Public	81	15.3%	$11,655	$72,200
18	University of Georgia Athens, GA · Public	79	37.7%	$13,936	$68,726
19	Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public	77	60.6%	$32,875	$63,435
20	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public	73	11%	$13,481	$92,446

View all colleges

Ranked by Romance Languages graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Romance Languages program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Romance Languages degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Romance Languages Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Romance Languages shows 4 measurable strengths and 3 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Above-average earnings Four-year median of $55,000 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $34,510 at graduation to $55,000 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 75,000 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availability Offered at 1,009 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas 2 related careers show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
High earnings variance Gap between 25th ($38,411) and 75th ($73,324) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.

Romance Languages Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Romance Languages graduates earn?

Romance Languages graduates earn a national median of $55,000 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $38,411 and $73,324. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Romance Languages degree?

One year after graduation, Romance Languages degree holders earn a median of $34,510. That climbs to $55,000 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Romance Languages degree?

Romance Languages degree holders pursue careers including Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, which pays a median of $79,350/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Romance Languages program take?

A Romance Languages bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Romance Languages?

1,009 colleges and universities in the United States offer Romance Languages programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Romance Languages degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $55,000 and an average net price of roughly $19,295/yr, a Romance Languages degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Romance Languages and Languages?

Romance Languages is a focused concentration within the broader Languages field. The Languages major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Romance Languages-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Romance Languages graduates?

Employers hiring Romance Languages graduates consistently prioritize writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles.

What is the job outlook for Romance Languages graduates?

The job outlook for Romance Languages graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of 0.0% job growth over the next 10 years. Interpreters and Translators is among the strongest-growth roles at +1.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.