Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at College of Charleston

College of Charleston's Romance Languages program starts below both state and national medians at $32,503, but graduates show remarkable momentum with 41% earnings growth by year four—reaching $45,715 and pulling well ahead of typical outcomes. That trajectory matters more than the modest initial salary, especially given the manageable $26,370 debt burden. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81, graduates owe roughly 10 months of their first-year salary, positioning them better than many liberal arts majors nationally.

The challenge is that year-one earnings lag behind both South Carolina's median ($35,856) and peer institutions like Wofford and Clemson. However, the strong growth curve suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into careers that value language skills and cultural competence—whether in international business, education, or professional services. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) adds some uncertainty, but the pattern is clear enough to be meaningful.

For families comfortable with a longer runway to career establishment, this program offers reasonable value. The debt load won't be crushing, and graduates who leverage their language skills strategically appear to find their footing by mid-career. Just recognize that immediate post-graduation earnings may require supplementing with part-time work or living arrangements that keep costs low during that first year or two.