Analysis
A Romance Languages bachelor's from Molloy comes with an estimated $19,625 in debt and first-year earnings around $37,442, based on comparable programs across New York—a debt-to-earnings ratio that's better than the national median for this field. That's a manageable burden relative to typical humanities programs, where students often graduate with over $22,000 in debt and lower starting salaries.
The earnings estimate aligns exactly with New York's median for Romance Languages programs, suggesting Molloy delivers middle-of-the-pack outcomes for the state. That's respectable, though it trails notably behind stronger programs like Fordham ($44,073) and CUNY York ($46,882). The field itself tends toward modest starting salaries—even nationally, the typical graduate earns under $35,000—so language degrees generally serve students pursuing teaching, translation, or international careers where experience and advanced credentials matter more than bachelor's-level earnings.
With 76% of applicants admitted and 30% receiving Pell grants, Molloy provides access to students who might not qualify for more selective language programs. The relatively controlled debt load is the real advantage here. If your child is passionate about language study and has a clear career path in mind—whether that's education, graduate school, or international business—this program offers an affordable entry point. Just recognize that the earnings reflect the broader reality of humanities fields, not a weakness specific to Molloy.
Where Molloy University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all romance languages, literatures, and linguistics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (75 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,840 | $37,442* | — | $19,625* | — | |
| $69,045 | $54,327* | $52,718 | $20,250* | 0.37 | |
| $67,024 | $53,541* | $65,215 | $16,900* | 0.32 | |
| $7,358 | $46,882* | — | —* | — | |
| $61,992 | $44,073* | $52,464 | $27,000* | 0.61 | |
| $10,560 | $43,821* | $57,201 | $19,212* | 0.44 | |
| 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 Molloy University, 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 19 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.