Analysis
Kean University's Romance Languages program stands out in a field where strong earnings are hard to find. Starting at $42,750, graduates earn 24% more than the national median for this major and significantly outpace the $32,208 median for New Jersey programs—ranking in the 80th percentile statewide. Only Montclair State produces higher-earning Romance Languages graduates in the state.
The debt picture is equally impressive. At $30,812, borrowers pay about $7,000 more than the national median, but this is the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of Romance Languages programs leave students with less debt. More importantly, the 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio is highly manageable, with graduates earning enough in their first year to justify the investment. Earnings also grow steadily to $46,175 by year four, suggesting stable career progression rather than the stagnation common in humanities fields.
For families concerned about the practicality of a language degree, Kean's program offers an unusually solid financial foundation. The higher debt is more than offset by earnings that outperform most peers, and the school's accessibility (77% admission rate, 46% Pell recipients) means this premium outcome isn't limited to elite students. This is one of the better bets in Romance Languages regionally.
Where Kean University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all romance languages, literatures, and linguistics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Kean University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kean University | $42,750 | $46,175 | +8% |
| New Jersey City University | $39,714 | $53,122 | +34% |
| Drew University | $27,823 | $47,695 | +71% |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $31,335 | $43,389 | +38% |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $31,335 | $43,389 | +38% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Kean UniversityUnion | $13,426 | $42,750 | $46,175 | $30,812 | 0.72 |
 Montclair State UniversityMontclair | $14,766 | $47,487 | — | $25,250 | 0.53 |
 New Jersey City UniversityJersey City | $13,971 | $39,714 | $53,122 | $19,777 | 0.50 |
 Rowan UniversityGlassboro | $15,700 | $33,081 | $42,495 | $27,000 | 0.82 |
 Rutgers University-CamdenCamden | $17,079 | $31,335 | $43,389 | $22,000 | 0.70 |
 Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick | $17,239 | $31,335 | $43,389 | $22,000 | 0.70 |
| National Median | — | $34,497 | — | $22,722 | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with romance languages, literatures, and linguistics graduates
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 Kean University, approximately 46% 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.