Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,191
53rd percentile
60th percentile in North Carolina
Median Debt
$23,029
1% above national median

Analysis

UNC Greensboro's Romance Languages program sits right in the middle of North Carolina's offerings—literally matching the state median for earnings while carrying slightly less debt than typical in-state peers. Given the program's 60th percentile ranking among NC schools, students here are doing modestly better than many alternatives. The $23,000 debt burden translates to a manageable 0.65 ratio to first-year earnings, though the nearly flat income trajectory over four years ($35,191 to $35,624) means graduates shouldn't expect significant salary jumps early in their careers.

For families weighing affordability, this program compares favorably to pricier Romance Languages options like UNC Chapel Hill, which oddly shows lower earnings despite its reputation. However, the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—means these numbers could shift considerably year to year. What's clear is that graduates enter fields where $35,000 represents typical starting pay, whether they're teaching, translating, or working in cultural organizations.

The real consideration here is whether your student views language fluency as a foundation for graduate work or international careers, where the value proposition changes entirely. As a standalone bachelor's degree leading directly to work, this delivers predictable but modest outcomes at a reasonable price.

Where University of North Carolina at Greensboro Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all romance languages, literatures, and linguistics bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of North Carolina at Greensboro graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of North Carolina at Greensboro$35,191$35,624+1%
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill$32,508$43,128+33%
University of North Carolina Wilmington$25,426$42,495+67%
University of North Carolina at Charlotte$35,208$42,064+19%
Western Carolina University$36,179$40,330+11%

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (32 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro$7,593$35,191$35,624$23,0290.65
Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee$4,532$36,179$40,330$23,2500.64
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte$7,214$35,208$42,064$23,2500.66
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill$8,989$32,508$43,128$13,5000.42
University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington$7,317$25,426$42,495$23,7510.93
National Median—$34,497—$22,7220.66

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with romance languages, literatures, and linguistics graduates

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Interpreters and Translators

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

$59,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 North Carolina at Greensboro, approximately 47% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.