Analysis
Based on comparable Romance Languages programs in Illinois, Knox graduates can expect to start around $36,400—slightly above the national median for this major but well below what larger state universities report. Illinois State grads, for instance, earn $49,400 in their first year, while DePaul and U of I Champaign graduates start near $39,000. The estimated debt load of $26,800 translates to a 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio, which means borrowers would owe roughly three-quarters of their first-year salary—manageable territory, though the four-year earnings figure of $45,200 suggests modest income growth in the early career years.
The challenge here is that Knox's selective, liberal arts environment comes with private school pricing, yet the earnings estimates place it in the middle of the Illinois pack. For a Romance Languages degree that typically leads to teaching, translation, or further graduate study, the debt burden isn't crushing, but families should recognize they're paying for Knox's intimate academic community rather than exceptional earning outcomes in this field. The 30% Pell grant population suggests Knox does work to make education accessible, though financial aid packages will vary significantly by family circumstances.
If your student is passionate about language and culture and thrives in small-class settings, Knox could be the right fit—just understand that the financial return, based on similar programs statewide, will likely be gradual rather than immediate.
Where Knox College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all romance languages, literatures, and linguistics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knox College | — | $45,193 | — |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $38,942 | $53,827 | +38% |
| DePaul University | $39,207 | $50,296 | +28% |
| Northern Illinois University | $40,586 | $49,420 | +22% |
| Wheaton College | $37,025 | $47,994 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (38 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Knox CollegeGalesburg | $55,587 | $36,396* | $45,193 | $26,825* | — |
 Illinois State UniversityNormal | $16,021 | $49,448* | $46,915 | $22,375* | 0.45 |
 Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb | $12,700 | $40,586* | $49,420 | $21,250* | 0.52 |
 DePaul UniversityChicago | $44,460 | $39,207* | $50,296 | $27,000* | 0.69 |
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $38,942* | $53,827 | $21,800* | 0.56 |
 Wheaton CollegeWheaton | $43,930 | $37,025* | $47,994 | $26,650* | 0.72 |
| 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 Knox College, approximately 30% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.