Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Illinois Wesleyan University

The estimated $26,825 in debt here exceeds what similar Romance language programs in Illinois typically produce—the state median sits at $25,623—which means you're likely paying a premium for Illinois Wesleyan's selective environment. Based on comparable programs across Illinois, first-year earnings around $36,000 put this squarely at the state median for the field, but well behind what graduates from Illinois State ($49,448) or Northern Illinois ($40,586) are seeing. That's a significant gap when you're carrying higher debt.

The 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming on its face, but it reflects a common challenge with humanities degrees at private institutions: you're financing a selective liberal arts experience (45% admission rate, strong SAT scores) while entering a job market that doesn't immediately differentiate based on where you studied French or Spanish. The estimated figures suggest peer programs produce graduates who need roughly nine months of gross income to cover their debt—manageable, but only if that $36,000 estimate holds and your child secures employment quickly after graduation.

For parents weighing this investment, recognize that these estimates mean you're making decisions with limited visibility into Illinois Wesleyan's actual outcomes for this major. If language study connects to a clear career path—international business, translation, education—the premium might make sense. Otherwise, you're betting that the broader Illinois Wesleyan network and academic experience will offset both higher debt and earnings that appear typical rather than exceptional for the field.