Analysis
Bucknell's Romance Languages program posts earnings that dramatically outperform typical outcomes in this field—$51,120 in year one versus just $34,500 nationally. More impressively, graduates see substantial income growth to nearly $70,000 by year four, a trajectory that places this program well ahead of Pennsylvania peers like Franklin & Marshall ($45,300) and Villanova ($45,088). The debt load of $24,625 is modest relative to these earnings, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5.
The real question is whether these results hold at scale. With fewer than 30 graduates in the sample, this data could reflect a handful of exceptional students at a highly selective school (32% admission rate, 1389 average SAT) rather than what typical graduates achieve. Romance Languages typically leads to lower-paying career paths—education, translation, entry-level positions requiring "any bachelor's degree"—making these numbers genuinely surprising.
For parents, this looks promising but demands scrutiny. If your student is among Bucknell's caliber of admits and has clear post-graduation plans (graduate school, competitive fellowships, finance or consulting pivots), these outcomes may be realistic. If they're planning a traditional path in the field, recognize you're betting on a small sample that may not represent the broader reality of Romance Languages careers.
Where Bucknell University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all romance languages, literatures, and linguistics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Bucknell University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bucknell University | $51,120 | $69,653 | +36% |
| Villanova University | $45,088 | $69,309 | +54% |
| Dickinson College | $39,694 | $52,987 | +33% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg | $29,617 | $46,207 | +56% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $29,617 | $46,207 | +56% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (59 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Bucknell UniversityLewisburg | $64,772 | $51,120 | $69,653 | $24,625 | 0.48 |
 Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster | $68,380 | $45,300 | — | $19,250 | 0.42 |
 Villanova UniversityVillanova | $64,701 | $45,088 | $69,309 | $27,000 | 0.60 |
 Gettysburg CollegeGettysburg | $64,230 | $44,068 | — | $26,000 | 0.59 |
 Dickinson CollegeCarlisle | $63,475 | $39,694 | $52,987 | $19,000 | 0.48 |
 Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main CampusIndiana | $11,380 | $37,374 | — | $26,466 | 0.71 |
| National Median | — | $34,497 | — | $22,722 | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with romance languages, literatures, and linguistics graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bucknell University, approximately 11% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 24 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.