Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Lake Forest College

Lake Forest College's Romance Languages program sits in an uncomfortable spot among Illinois schools—earning less than 60% of programs statewide despite carrying above-average debt. While first-year earnings of $35,622 slightly edge out the national median, they fall $2,700 below the Illinois state median, placing graduates in just the 40th percentile within the state. That gap widens when comparing to top Illinois programs like Illinois State ($49,448) or even mid-tier options like DePaul ($39,207). The $27,000 debt load, though manageable by national standards, looks heavier when paired with these below-state-average earnings.

The 22% earnings growth to $43,380 by year four offers some reassurance that graduates aren't stuck at entry-level wages. However, even after that improvement, the debt-to-earnings picture remains tight at 0.76—workable but leaving little margin for error. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could swing significantly year to year, making this data directional rather than definitive.

For families considering this program, the core question is whether Lake Forest's liberal arts environment justifies paying more for outcomes that trail state alternatives. If your child is committed to Romance languages specifically, exploring Illinois State or Northern Illinois might deliver better financial positioning after graduation.