Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Saint Mary's College

Similar programs in Indiana suggest first-year earnings around $37,500 for Romance Languages graduates—a figure that lands at the state median but trails the outcomes from nearby Notre Dame and Butler by over $5,000. Saint Mary's estimated debt load of $26,900 is higher than the state median of $21,700, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 that parents should examine carefully. That means roughly three-quarters of a year's salary would go toward debt repayment—manageable but not generous, especially for humanities majors who may need graduate school for certain career paths.

The four-year earnings figure of $42,153 offers some reassurance, showing typical salary growth over time. However, this program faces the fundamental challenge all language degrees encounter: strong outcomes depend heavily on how graduates apply their skills. Those who combine language proficiency with business, education credentials, or technical expertise typically fare better than those pursuing the degree in isolation. The estimated figures here—drawn from just a handful of comparable Indiana programs—underscore how variable these outcomes can be.

For parents considering this investment, the key question is career direction. If your student plans graduate school or has a clear professional path where language skills add value, the estimated debt burden appears reasonable. If they're studying languages purely for enrichment without a concrete career strategy, that $26,900 becomes harder to justify against likely early-career earnings.