Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Indiana University-Indianapolis
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
IU Indianapolis's Romance Languages program starts about $5,000 below Indiana's median for the field and trails the state's top programs by $10,000-$14,000 at year one. While graduates manage their debt relatively well—borrowing about $2,000 less than the state average—the initial earnings of $32,084 land this program in the bottom half both nationally and statewide. The 13% earnings growth over four years brings graduates closer to the national median, though they remain shy of typical Indiana outcomes.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) makes these figures less reliable than programs with larger cohorts, so individual outcomes likely vary more than usual. The school's 81% acceptance rate and accessibility suggest it serves many first-generation college students, but compared to Romance Languages programs at Ball State (matching the state median) or Butler and DePauw (both over $43,000), this program doesn't offer the same earning potential. The manageable debt load prevents this from being a financial disaster, but the combination of below-average earnings and uncertain data should concern parents.
If your child is passionate about Romance languages and considering IU Indianapolis specifically, compare carefully against IU Bloomington's program (similar starting salary but likely different career networks) and schools with stronger placement outcomes. The debt won't be crushing, but the lower earnings compared to state peers suggest limited market advantage in Indiana's job landscape.
Where Indiana University-Indianapolis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all romance languages, literatures, and linguistics bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates compare to all programs nationally
Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 40th percentile of all romance languages, literatures, and linguistics bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (29 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $32,084 | $36,383 | $19,543 | 0.61 |
| University of Notre Dame | $46,030 | $65,050 | $19,250 | 0.42 |
| Butler University | $43,678 | $53,606 | $26,870 | 0.62 |
| DePauw University | $43,049 | — | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| Ball State University | $37,553 | $38,527 | $21,702 | 0.58 |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $33,307 | $48,375 | $14,000 | 0.42 |
| National Median | $34,497 | — | $22,722 | 0.66 |
Other Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Notre Dame Notre Dame | $62,693 | $46,030 | $19,250 |
| Butler University Indianapolis | $45,980 | $43,678 | $26,870 |
| DePauw University Greencastle | $57,070 | $43,049 | $27,000 |
| Ball State University Muncie | $10,758 | $37,553 | $21,702 |
| Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington | $11,790 | $33,307 | $14,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Indiana University-Indianapolis, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 26 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.