Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Converse University

The $25,500 in estimated debt here sits uncomfortably close to what comparable Romance languages programs nationally produce in first-year earnings—around $35,000. While Converse's figures align with state averages for this major, the fundamental challenge is the field itself: even top performers in South Carolina like Wofford and Clemson see graduates earning just under $40,000. That's not much runway above what this program's debt load requires, especially when similar liberal arts programs nationwide typically carry $22,700 in debt.

The 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio based on peer programs suggests manageable but tight finances in that crucial first year. With 41% of Converse students receiving Pell grants, the debt burden matters even more for families without financial cushions. Romance languages graduates often pursue teaching, translation, or graduate school—paths that may eventually pay off but rarely provide immediate earning power to comfortably service loans.

For families weighing this investment, the critical question is what comes after graduation. If your child plans to leverage this degree into graduate programs or international careers where language skills command premiums, the debt level from comparable programs remains serviceable. But if the bachelor's degree is the endpoint, the earnings estimates from similar SC programs suggest a financially constrained start that could extend for years.