Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Southern Methodist University

SMU's Romance Languages program posts earnings numbers that nearly double the national median—$57,858 in year one versus $34,497 nationally. Among the 54 Texas schools offering this degree, SMU ranks at the 95th percentile, outperforming even Texas A&M's strong showing of $46,860. With moderate debt of $19,730 (just about the Texas median), the initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 is entirely manageable. This is clearly the top Romance Languages program in the state by first-year outcomes.

The concerning pattern emerges in years two through four, when median earnings decline 9% to $52,597. This still keeps graduates well ahead of typical Romance Languages outcomes, but it suggests either initial job placement advantages that don't sustain or career paths that plateau quickly. Given SMU's strong network in Dallas business circles and its 1424 average SAT score, graduates may be leveraging the degree for entry-level positions in corporate environments that don't necessarily reward language specialization long-term.

For families considering this program, the value proposition hinges on your child's post-graduation plans. If they're using the degree as a springboard into Dallas's corporate sector—banking, consulting, or business roles where the SMU credential matters—the early earnings advantage justifies the investment. If the goal is graduate school in Romance Languages or language-specific careers, the declining earnings trajectory deserves a serious conversation about whether this path builds the right kind of career momentum.