Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Kean University
Bachelor's Degree
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
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 Kean University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Kean University graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 89th 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 New Jersey
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (21 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kean University | $42,750 | $46,175 | $30,812 | 0.72 |
| Montclair State University | $47,487 | — | $25,250 | 0.53 |
| New Jersey City University | $39,714 | $53,122 | $19,777 | 0.50 |
| Rowan University | $33,081 | $42,495 | $27,000 | 0.82 |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $31,335 | $43,389 | $22,000 | 0.70 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $31,335 | $43,389 | $22,000 | 0.70 |
| National Median | $34,497 | — | $22,722 | 0.66 |
Other Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montclair State University Montclair | $14,766 | $47,487 | $25,250 |
| New Jersey City University Jersey City | $13,971 | $39,714 | $19,777 |
| Rowan University Glassboro | $15,700 | $33,081 | $27,000 |
| Rutgers University-Camden Camden | $17,079 | $31,335 | $22,000 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick | $17,239 | $31,335 | $22,000 |
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 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.