Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Western Carolina University
Bachelor's Degree
wcu.eduAnalysis
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.
Where Western Carolina University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all romance languages, literatures, and linguistics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Western Carolina University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Carolina University | $36,179 | $40,330 | +11% |
| 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% |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | $35,191 | $35,624 | +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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee | $4,532 | $36,179 | $40,330 | $23,250 | 0.64 |
 University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte | $7,214 | $35,208 | $42,064 | $23,250 | 0.66 |
 University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro | $7,593 | $35,191 | $35,624 | $23,029 | 0.65 |
 University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill | $8,989 | $32,508 | $43,128 | $13,500 | 0.42 |
 University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington | $7,317 | $25,426 | $42,495 | $23,751 | 0.93 |
| National Median | — | $34,497 | — | $22,722 | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with romance languages, literatures, and linguistics graduates
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 Western Carolina University, approximately 33% 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 32 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.