Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at McKendree University

McKendree's Romance Languages program carries an estimated debt load of $26,825 against first-year earnings around $36,400—figures drawn from comparable Illinois programs. That 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in manageable territory, though it's worth noting that top-performing Illinois language programs like Illinois State ($49,448) and Northern Illinois ($40,586) deliver considerably stronger earning potential. The estimates here align closely with both state and national medians for this major, suggesting neither an advantage nor disadvantage compared to peer institutions.

The challenge with Romance Languages degrees isn't specific to McKendree—it's the field itself. Language and literature majors nationally earn modest starting salaries, and without concrete outcomes data from this particular program, you're relying on patterns from similar schools. The debt burden appears reasonable for a private university, coming in just slightly above the state median, but parents should recognize that language degrees typically require additional credentials or career pivots to reach higher earnings. Teaching certifications, translation work, or international business roles often become necessary next steps.

Given the uncertainty here, the practical question is whether your student has a clear post-graduation plan that leverages language skills in a marketable way. If they're considering graduate school, international work, or teaching, the foundation might be solid. But if the path forward is vague, that $27,000 in debt for estimated mid-$30,000 earnings deserves a serious conversation about ROI, especially when nearby public options might offer stronger outcomes at lower cost.