Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Similar Romance Languages programs across Illinois suggest first-year earnings around $36,400—roughly in line with the national median for this degree. At an estimated $21,525 in debt, that translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59, which sits comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold. The lighter debt burden compared to peer programs in Illinois (which typically carry $25,600) offers some breathing room, though it's worth noting that top performers in the state—particularly Illinois State and Northern Illinois—report graduates earning $40,600 to $49,400, suggesting outcomes can vary significantly depending on the institution.

The challenge here is straightforward: Romance Languages degrees rarely lead to high immediate earnings, even at more selective schools. Based on comparable programs, your child would be starting their career making roughly what many entry-level positions pay, but with the added constraint of student debt. Success in this field often depends heavily on what students do beyond the degree itself—internships, study abroad, developing complementary skills, or pursuing graduate education.

Given SIU-Carbondale's 90% admission rate and relatively modest selectivity, the estimated figures here represent a reasonable financial outcome for the field, neither disastrous nor particularly promising. If your child is genuinely passionate about languages and has a clear plan for leveraging the degree, the debt load appears manageable. Without that plan, they'd be taking on debt for a credential that offers limited immediate financial returns.