Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington's Romance Languages program starts with earnings well below what most language graduates see nationally, but here's the unusual part: graduates more than recover that ground by year four, reaching $43,658—significantly above both the national median of $34,497 and Washington's state median of $27,754. That 59% earnings jump is rare for humanities programs.

The challenge is that first year at $27,427, which ranks in just the 20th percentile nationally and leaves graduates earning less than many retail managers. The $20,518 in debt is manageable compared to national norms, but that initial income means a tight first year or two post-graduation. By mid-career, however, Eastern Washington graduates actually outpace those from Western Washington ($26,557 at year one) and match several better-known Washington programs.

One important caveat: the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these outcomes could swing considerably year to year. If your child is considering this path, the trajectory matters more than the starting point—just ensure they have financial cushioning for those lean early years. The debt load won't crush them, and the growth curve suggests graduates find their footing, likely through graduate school, credential stacking, or career pivots that reward language skills over time.