Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Mount Mary University

A Romance Languages bachelor's degree carries significant financial uncertainty at Mount Mary, where peer programs suggest approximately $25,500 in debt—above both Wisconsin and national medians—while estimated first-year earnings of $37,000 align with the state median but trail stronger Wisconsin programs by $5,000 or more. With 58% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already stretching financially, making that debt load particularly consequential for a field where salaries start modestly and often depend on additional credentials or bilingual professional roles to reach higher earning potential.

The comparison to Wisconsin's public universities is instructive: UW-Green Bay and UW-Whitewater graduates in this field earn in the low $40,000s, suggesting that program choice within the state matters considerably. Whether Mount Mary's smaller setting and focused mission justify the additional debt depends largely on factors the data can't capture—placement support, faculty mentorship, or specific career pathways the program emphasizes. For families considering this major, the question isn't just about loving languages but about having a concrete plan for how linguistic skills translate into employment, whether that's teaching (which typically requires a master's), translation work, international business, or another specialized application.

If your student is set on Romance Languages at Mount Mary, ensure they're building practical skills alongside coursework—internships, study abroad with clear professional goals, or double-majoring with something more immediately marketable. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 is manageable but leaves little room for underemployment in those crucial first years after graduation.