Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,191
53rd percentile (60th in NC)
Median Debt
$23,029
1% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.65
Manageable
Sample Size
26
Limited data

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

University of North Carolina at GreensboroOther romance languages, literatures, and linguistics programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

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

University of North Carolina at Greensboro graduates earn $35k, placing them in the 53th percentile of all romance languages, literatures, and linguistics bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of North Carolina at Greensboro$35,191$35,624$23,0290.65
Western Carolina University$36,179$40,330$23,2500.64
University of North Carolina at Charlotte$35,208$42,064$23,2500.66
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill$32,508$43,128$13,5000.42
University of North Carolina Wilmington$25,426$42,495$23,7510.93
National Median$34,497—$22,7220.66

Other Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Programs in North Carolina

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee
$4,532$36,179$23,250
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte
$7,214$35,208$23,250
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill
$8,989$32,508$13,500
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington
$7,317$25,426$23,751

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.