Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Indiana University-Southeast

Based on comparable Romance language programs across Indiana, first-year earnings land right at the state median of $37,553—ahead of the national benchmark by about $3,000 but well behind the state's elite private institutions. The estimated $19,543 in debt, if accurate, would represent one of the lower debt loads for this degree in Indiana, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 that suggests manageable repayment. However, parents should understand these figures come from a small pool of peer programs statewide, not from tracked graduates of this specific program.

The practical challenge is less about debt and more about what you do with a Romance languages degree. At under $38,000, these earnings put graduates in a tight spot for financial independence—that's roughly $31,000 after taxes in Indiana. Similar programs at Notre Dame or Butler command 15-20% higher starting salaries, which matters significantly when base earnings are modest. The lower debt here helps, but it doesn't fundamentally change the economics of a humanities degree that typically requires either graduate school, career pivoting, or accepting years of constrained finances.

For families considering this path, the key question isn't whether Indiana University-Southeast delivers value relative to other Romance language programs—the estimates suggest it might—but whether this field makes financial sense at all given your child's career goals and your family's resources. If they're planning law school or international business later, this could be a solid foundation. If not, have a concrete conversation about post-graduation plans.