Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Johnson C Smith University

Drawing on data from five similar Romance Languages programs across North Carolina, first-year earnings hover around $35,191—a figure that lands right at the state median and slightly above the national benchmark of $34,497. The estimated debt load of $25,490, while higher than both the state and national medians for this field, creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72. For context, graduates at comparable NC institutions like UNC Charlotte and UNC Greensboro report nearly identical starting salaries, suggesting this estimate reflects realistic regional outcomes for language majors.

What matters here is understanding that Romance Languages degrees rarely lead to immediate high earnings regardless of institution—this is a humanities field where career paths often require additional credentials or evolve over time. The estimated debt figure, derived from 79 similar programs nationally, aligns with Johnson C Smith's profile as a private institution serving a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (68%). While the debt exceeds what students at NC's public universities typically carry for this major, the ratio suggests graduates could theoretically pay off loans within reasonable timeframes if they secure employment at these projected salary levels.

The key question is whether your student plans to pursue graduate education, teaching certification, or other professional development that Romance Languages majors often need to access higher-earning career tracks. These estimates show starting salaries consistent with the field, but the actual return depends heavily on what comes after that bachelor's degree.