Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at University of Virginia-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UVA graduates in Romance Languages start modestly at $38,269, but within four years they're earning $58,575—a 53% jump that's uncommon for humanities degrees. That trajectory matters more than the below-median starting salary, especially when you consider graduates leave with just $14,050 in debt, roughly 40% less than typical borrowers in this field nationally.
The state picture reveals an interesting tension: this program ranks below the Virginia median for Romance Languages (40th percentile), trailing William & Mary slightly, yet it still outperforms 68% of comparable programs nationwide. The real advantage here isn't comparative salary—it's the combination of strong earnings growth and exceptionally low debt burden. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio means a graduate could theoretically pay off their entire loan balance in less than five months of gross earnings, giving them financial flexibility that most humanities majors don't enjoy.
For families prioritizing a liberal arts education at an elite institution, UVA delivers exactly that with minimal financial downside. The debt load is manageable enough that a graduate can pursue graduate school, nonprofit work, or other lower-paying but fulfilling paths without being financially handcuffed. Just understand you're paying for prestige and network access—not necessarily the highest-earning Romance Languages degree in Virginia.
Where University of Virginia-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all romance languages, literatures, and linguistics bachelors's programs nationally
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 Virginia-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 68th 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 Virginia
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (21 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | $38,269 | $58,575 | $14,050 | 0.37 |
| William & Mary | $40,260 | — | $20,500 | 0.51 |
| National Median | $34,497 | — | $22,722 | 0.66 |
Other Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| William & Mary Williamsburg | $25,040 | $40,260 | $20,500 |
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 Virginia-Main Campus, approximately 14% 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 39 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.