Analysis
Romance language majors across Massachusetts typically start near $40,400—a figure that puts Clark's estimated outcomes right at the state median but still trails the field's top performers by significant margins. Holy Cross and Tufts graduates in this major earn around $50,000, while Bentley reaches nearly $67,000, suggesting the variation has more to do with institutional networks and career services than the major itself.
The estimated debt load of $21,400 works in your favor here, coming in below both the state median ($25,358) and national benchmark ($22,722) for romance language programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, graduates would theoretically need about half their first year's salary to clear their loans—manageable compared to many humanities paths. Clark's 42% admission rate and strong SAT profile (1339) indicate you're paying for selectivity without reaching the elite tier where language majors command premium salaries.
The practical challenge: these estimates tell us where Clark likely falls within Massachusetts's range, but they can't reveal whether this specific program has cultivated the employer connections or graduate school placement rates that separate $40,000 outcomes from $50,000 ones. Before committing, ask Clark directly about career outcomes for recent romance language graduates—where they're working, what they're earning, and how many continue to graduate programs where humanities degrees gain more traction.
Where Clark University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all romance languages, literatures, and linguistics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $55,160 | $40,405* | — | $21,414* | — | |
| $58,150 | $66,917* | — | $26,887* | 0.40 | |
| $60,850 | $52,210* | $64,858 | $26,975* | 0.52 | |
| $67,280 | $49,322* | — | —* | — | |
| $67,844 | $49,164* | — | $14,935* | 0.30 | |
| $11,882 | $40,405* | — | $27,000* | 0.67 | |
| 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 Clark University, approximately 21% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.