Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Salem State University

In Massachusetts, Romance Languages programs span a remarkable range—from $66,917 at Bentley to around $40,405 at state universities like Westfield. Based on comparable programs in the state, Salem State appears to track with the mid-tier public options, with estimated first-year earnings of $40,405 slightly exceeding the national median for this major. That's the practical reality: this isn't a high-earning field, but Salem State's estimated outcomes sit reasonably within the pack.

The estimated $21,534 in debt creates a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. This falls below both the state and national debt medians for Romance Languages programs, which matters for a field where earnings growth tends to be gradual. With 35% of students receiving Pell grants, keeping debt contained is particularly important for the school's population.

The key uncertainty here is that both figures are estimates drawn from peer programs rather than Salem State's actual graduate outcomes. The small sample size that triggers data suppression could reflect low enrollment, which might limit networking opportunities but could also mean more individualized attention. For families, the question is whether the estimated debt load feels reasonable for launching a career where initial earnings hover around $40,000—a number that could support modest loan payments but won't provide much cushion for expensive metro living without supplemental income.