Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Simmons University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 looks manageable on paper, but the figures beneath it tell a more complicated story. Based on comparable Romance Languages programs at similar Massachusetts institutions, graduates might expect around $40,400 in first-year earnings against roughly $21,400 in debt. That puts this program right at the state median for the field—not terrible, but worth examining closely given that several other Massachusetts schools with actual reported data show significantly stronger outcomes, with Holy Cross and Tufts graduates earning well into the $50,000s.

The real challenge is that Romance Languages degrees nationally produce modest early earnings, with the typical graduate making $34,500 in their first year. Even Simmons' estimated figure, while above the national benchmark, doesn't dramatically change the financial picture for a humanities degree that rarely leads directly to high-paying entry-level work. The debt estimate here is actually lower than both state and national medians for the field, which helps, but parents should recognize that language degrees often require graduate school or career pivots to unlock stronger earnings potential.

Given the uncertainty around these estimates and the wide variation we see among actual outcomes at peer schools (ranging from $40,400 to nearly $67,000), this program requires careful consideration of your child's specific career plans and whether they'll need additional credentials beyond the bachelor's degree to reach financial stability.