Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor's Degree
illinois.eduAnalysis
A languages degree from Illinois doesn't typically open with nearly $39,000 in first-year earnings, but UIUC's program manages it—landing in the 71st percentile nationally and 60th within Illinois. That initial advantage compounds: graduates see 38% earnings growth over four years, reaching nearly $54,000 by year four. This trajectory stands out in a field where many programs plateau quickly after graduation.
The debt picture is reasonable at $21,800, actually below both state and national medians for this major. That 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary—manageable territory that gets easier as earnings climb. Among Illinois programs, only Illinois State produces notably higher earners in this field, though their debt loads tend to be higher too.
The moderate sample size warrants some caution, but the pattern is clear: UIUC's reputation and connections deliver tangible results even for humanities graduates. For a family weighing this program, the combination of controlled debt and above-average earnings growth makes it one of the stronger romance languages options available, particularly for students already considering Illinois schools.
Where University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all romance languages, literatures, and linguistics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $38,942 | $53,827 | +38% |
| DePaul University | $39,207 | $50,296 | +28% |
| Northern Illinois University | $40,586 | $49,420 | +22% |
| Wheaton College | $37,025 | $47,994 | +30% |
| Augustana College | $24,208 | $47,965 | +98% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (38 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $38,942 | $53,827 | $21,800 | 0.56 |
 Illinois State UniversityNormal | $16,021 | $49,448 | $46,915 | $22,375 | 0.45 |
 Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb | $12,700 | $40,586 | $49,420 | $21,250 | 0.52 |
 DePaul UniversityChicago | $44,460 | $39,207 | $50,296 | $27,000 | 0.69 |
 Wheaton CollegeWheaton | $43,930 | $37,025 | $47,994 | $26,650 | 0.72 |
 Elmhurst UniversityElmhurst | $41,628 | $35,767 | — | $20,000 | 0.56 |
| National Median | — | $34,497 | — | $22,722 | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with romance languages, literatures, and linguistics graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, approximately 24% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 60 graduates with reported earnings and 71 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.