Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

John Jay's Romance Languages program delivers first-year earnings of $37,442—matching the state median and exceeding the national benchmark by nearly $3,000. For a CUNY school serving predominantly Pell-eligible students, this outcome matters. While elite private institutions like Columbia and Colgate report significantly higher earnings, John Jay graduates enter the workforce earning more than those from several well-regarded New York universities, suggesting the program provides solid professional preparation without the stratospheric debt those institutions often carry.

The estimated debt of $19,212, derived from comparable New York programs at similar schools, translates to a 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable by most standards. Monthly loan payments would consume roughly 5% of gross income on a standard repayment plan, leaving room for rent in an expensive city and basic living costs. This assumes the debt estimate holds true for this specific program, which serves smaller cohorts than DOE reporting thresholds allow.

For families weighing this degree, the fundamentals look sound: competitive earnings for the field, controlled debt levels typical of CUNY schools, and outcomes that land in the 60th percentile statewide. The uncertainty around exact debt figures shouldn't obscure the broader pattern—Romance Languages graduates from accessible New York institutions typically face modest borrowing for earnings that, while not lucrative, provide stable entry points into diverse career paths. This combination makes the program a defensible choice for students drawn to the field who prioritize value over prestige.