Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,191
Est. from NC median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,490
Est. from national median (79 programs)

Analysis

Comparable Romance Languages programs in North Carolina suggest first-year earnings around $35,000—roughly matching the national median for language majors—but the estimated $25,490 in debt sits notably higher than what most NC programs produce (around $23,250). That puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.72, meaning graduates would owe about three-quarters of their first year's salary, which creates a tighter financial margin than you'd see at state universities offering similar programs.

The limitation here is that without actual graduate outcomes from Meredith, you're making assumptions based on how other language programs perform. The estimates suggest fairly typical earnings for the field—neither alarming nor impressive—but language majors generally face a longer career ramp-up period where early earnings don't tell the full story. The additional $2,000-$3,000 in debt compared to peer programs matters over a 10-year repayment timeline, especially on a $35,000 starting salary.

If your child is genuinely passionate about language study and has a clear plan for leveraging the degree (teaching certification, translation work, international business roles), the estimated debt level is manageable but leaves little room for error. However, the lack of actual data means you're essentially trusting that Meredith's outcomes mirror the state average rather than knowing for certain. Compare the net price calculator results against NC public universities before committing.

Where Meredith College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all romance languages, literatures, and linguistics bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (32 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Meredith CollegeRaleigh$43,936$35,191*—$25,490*—
Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee$4,532$36,179*$40,330$23,250*0.64
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte$7,214$35,208*$42,064$23,250*0.66
University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro$7,593$35,191*$35,624$23,029*0.65
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill$8,989$32,508*$43,128$13,500*0.42
University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington$7,317$25,426*$42,495$23,751*0.93
National Median—$34,497*—$22,722*0.66
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with romance languages, literatures, and linguistics graduates

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Interpreters and Translators

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

$59,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Meredith College, approximately 33% 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 5 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.