Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Presbyterian College

A Romance languages degree from Presbyterian College comes with an estimated debt load of $25,490—slightly above the national median but close to what other SC programs typically require. The question is whether first-year earnings around $35,900, based on similar programs across South Carolina, justify that investment.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 sits in reasonable territory, meaning graduates would need roughly 9 months of gross income to cover their loans. However, peer programs in the state show considerable variation in outcomes. Wofford and Clemson graduates reportedly earn closer to $39,000 in their first year, while USC-Columbia's program shows significantly lower earnings at $21,400. This spread suggests that institutional reputation and network matter considerably in this field. Presbyterian's 72% admission rate and modest Pell enrollment (28%) place it in a middle tier where outcomes could lean either direction.

For parents weighing this investment, the critical unknown is where Presbyterian's actual graduates land within that $21,000-$39,000 range seen across South Carolina. The estimated figures suggest a middle-of-the-road scenario, but without reported data from this specific program, you're making a decision based on state averages rather than Presbyterian's track record. If your child is passionate about languages and has a clear career plan—teaching, translation, graduate school—the debt load is manageable. Without that direction, comparable majors with more certain job markets might be safer.