Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

A bachelor's degree in Romance Languages from Saint Mary's comes with an estimated debt load of $25,490—slightly above both state and national medians for this field—while first-year earnings based on comparable Minnesota programs hover around $35,000. That 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would dedicate roughly three-quarters of their first year's salary to debt if paying it off immediately, which translates to manageable monthly payments but requires realistic planning about post-graduation employment.

The challenge with language and literature degrees is that first-year earnings often don't capture the full picture. Many graduates pursue teaching credentials, graduate school, or careers where language skills provide an edge but aren't the job title—positions in international business, nonprofits, or government where the real value emerges over time. However, peer programs in Minnesota show considerable variation, with some state universities producing graduates earning $37,000-$42,000 in their first year, suggesting that institution and additional credentials matter significantly.

For families considering this program, the key question is what comes after graduation. The estimated debt burden is reasonable if your student has a clear path—whether that's teaching certification, graduate study with funding, or specific career interests where language expertise opens doors. Without that clarity, the modest starting salary and above-average debt create a narrow margin for error in the job search.