Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Tulane University of Louisiana

Tulane's Romance Languages program shows graduates starting below the national average but experiencing remarkable earnings growth—from $32,356 in year one to $53,386 by year four. That 65% jump suggests these graduates either develop highly marketable skills or successfully pivot into careers where language expertise becomes valuable over time. Among Louisiana's nine programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms about half the state options despite the modest starting salary.

The $20,500 debt load is notably lower than the national median of $22,722, creating a manageable 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio. However, these numbers come from a very small sample—fewer than 30 graduates—which means they could swing significantly year to year. The program draws from Tulane's highly selective student body (15% admission rate), so outcomes may reflect the broader advantages these students bring rather than the program itself.

For parents, the key question is whether your child plans to leverage the language degree into law, business, or graduate school—paths where the strong year-four earnings make more sense. If they're committed to careers directly using Romance languages, the first-year salary will matter more than the later growth. At an elite private university like Tulane, consider whether this major aligns with realistic career plans that justify the investment beyond just the starting numbers.