Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at The College of Saint Scholastica

For a bachelor's degree in Romance Languages at Saint Scholastica, the estimated $25,490 in student debt sits slightly above what similar programs typically carry—the national median hovers around $22,722—while first-year earnings based on comparable Minnesota programs land at roughly $35,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 means graduates would owe about nine months of their first year's salary, manageable but not particularly generous for a four-year degree.

The earnings picture tells a nuanced story. While Saint Scholastica's estimated outcomes align closely with both state and national medians for this field, other Minnesota programs show considerably stronger results. Winona State and Concordia at Moorhead graduates earn in the low $40,000s, demonstrating that location and program structure can make a real difference. Even more selective programs like St. Olaf and the University of Minnesota show varied outcomes, suggesting that Romance Languages degrees serve different career pathways depending on the institution and student preparation.

The real question is what your student plans to do with this degree. Romance Languages rarely leads directly to high-paying careers without additional credentials—think teaching certification, graduate school, or combining language skills with business or technical expertise. If your child has a clear pathway that leverages language proficiency, the debt load is reasonable. But if they're exploring interests without a concrete plan, comparing Saint Scholastica's estimated outcomes against programs with stronger demonstrated earnings might be worthwhile before committing.