Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Western Carolina University

Western Carolina's Romance Languages program outperforms most comparable programs in North Carolina, landing in the 60th percentile statewide—a meaningful achievement given that 32 schools in the state offer this degree. Starting earnings of $36,179 exceed both the state median ($35,191) and national median ($34,497), with growth to $40,330 by year four representing solid 12% gains. The debt load of $23,250 is exactly average for the program, translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64.

The real story here is consistency. While other UNC system schools show volatile outcomes—Chapel Hill surprisingly trails at $32,508, and UNC Wilmington posts just $25,426—Western Carolina delivers predictable, above-average results. For a school with an 87% admission rate serving a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients, these outcomes suggest the program effectively prepares students for the job market without saddling them with excessive debt.

For families evaluating language programs in North Carolina, Western Carolina represents a safer bet than its flagship counterparts. You're getting better-than-average earnings at exactly average debt—a straightforward value proposition for a degree that often struggles with employment outcomes nationwide.