Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at San Diego State University

San Diego State's Romance Languages program starts graduates at just $28,182—below both the California median ($29,329) and national average ($34,497)—but demonstrates something unusual: earnings jump 35% by year four, outpacing the typical trajectory for humanities degrees. That's solid growth for a field often criticized for stagnant salaries, though even at $37,950 after four years, graduates still trail comparable programs at UC Berkeley ($40,818) and UC Irvine ($36,692).

The financial picture offers a silver lining: at $14,957, debt loads run substantially below California's typical $16,261 for Romance Languages programs and far below the national median of $22,722. That puts graduates in a more manageable position than peers elsewhere, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 suggesting debt can be paid down within reasonable timeframes. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) reflects the reality of specialized humanities programs but provides enough data for reasonable confidence.

For parents weighing this program, recognize you're looking at a degree that requires patience. Your child won't land a high-paying job immediately—that first-year salary barely covers rent in San Diego—but the upward trajectory and low debt burden create room for career development. This works best for students genuinely passionate about languages and prepared for the financial reality of humanities careers, not those seeking quick financial returns.