Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Bob Jones University

A Romance Languages degree from Bob Jones University appears to align with typical outcomes in South Carolina, where similar programs suggest first-year earnings around $36,000—a figure that matches both the state and national median for this field. The estimated debt of $25,500 sits just below South Carolina's typical burden for language majors, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 that's manageable compared to many humanities programs.

However, the real challenge isn't the debt load—it's the earning trajectory of language degrees themselves. Nationally, this field produces modest starting salaries, and even top-performing programs in South Carolina like Wofford and Clemson only reach about $39,000 in year one. The estimated figures here suggest outcomes that track with state norms, but those norms show limited upside unless graduates pursue teaching certification, translation work, or pivot to adjacent careers where language skills complement other expertise.

The value calculation hinges entirely on your child's post-graduation plans. If they're committed to graduate school, teaching abroad, or careers in international business or government where language proficiency opens doors, the debt load won't derail them. But if they're entering the field without a clear professional pathway, comparable programs across South Carolina show the same fundamental constraint: starting salaries that make even moderate debt feel tight during those first years after graduation.