Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,122
Est. from UT median (4 programs)
Median Debt
$20,250
11% below national median

Analysis

Romance Languages graduates at Utah Valley University borrow about $3,500 more than their peers at other Utah programs in the same field, though debt still remains below the national median. Based on comparable programs in Utah, first-year earnings hover around $35,000โ€”a figure that aligns closely with national outcomes for this major but sits notably below what graduates from the University of Utah and BYU earn in the same field.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates face roughly seven months of first-year income in debt, which is manageable compared to many majors. However, the estimated $35,000 starting salary reflects the broader reality of humanities degrees: these programs rarely command high early-career earnings, regardless of where you study. The gap between UVU's comparable programs and the state's top performers (UofU grads earn an estimated $10,000 more) suggests institutional reputation matters significantly in this field, likely affecting which doors open for internships, graduate programs, and early-career positions.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether a Romance Languages degree serves as preparation for a specific graduate program or career path that requires it. Without that clear next step, you're looking at below-average starting earnings with above-state-average debt. The estimated figures suggest outcomes similar to the national median, which means modest early returns on a moderate debt load.

Where Utah Valley University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Utah

Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Utah Valley UniversityOrem$6,270$35,122*โ€”$20,250โ€”
University of UtahSalt Lake City$9,315$45,868*$49,166โ€”โ€”
Brigham Young UniversityProvo$6,496$40,002*$61,951$13,2190.33
Utah State UniversityLogan$9,228$30,242*$57,396$20,5000.68
Weber State UniversityOgden$6,391$27,989*$56,633$12,0000.43
National Medianโ€”$34,497*โ€”$22,7220.66
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Utah Valley University, approximately 23% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in UT. Actual outcomes may vary.