Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Coastal Carolina University

In South Carolina, Romance Languages programs show dramatic earnings variation—from nearly $40,000 at Wofford and Clemson down to $21,000 at USC-Columbia. Based on comparable programs across the state, Coastal Carolina's expected outcomes fall in the middle of this range, with first-year earnings around $36,000 against estimated debt of $26,370. That 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming, but it reflects a broader challenge: Romance Languages graduates typically face modest starting salaries regardless of where they study, with the national median sitting at just $34,500.

The real question is what comes after that first year. Language majors often pursue graduate degrees, teaching certifications, or international opportunities where initial earnings don't tell the full story. If your child plans to go directly into the workforce after graduation, that $36,000 starting point will feel tight—manageable debt payments, yes, but little room for error. The program works better as a foundation for something else: law school, translation, international business, or education, where the language skills compound in value over time.

Without actual outcome data from Coastal Carolina's specific graduates, you're making this decision somewhat blind. The estimated figures suggest reasonable alignment with state averages, but they can't tell you whether this particular program opens the doors your child needs. Before committing, understand their post-graduation plan clearly—this major requires one to justify the investment.