Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Western Michigan University

Western Michigan's Romance Languages program shows promising earnings growth trajectory, but the very small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—means these numbers could swing dramatically with even one or two different career outcomes. That said, the data we have suggests graduates start modestly at $32,630 but see strong growth to $44,655 by year four, a 37% jump that outpaces what you'd typically expect in humanities fields.

The debt picture is notably favorable: at $28,625, borrowers here carry less than virtually all comparable programs nationally (5th percentile for debt). That's just 88% of first-year earnings, meaning most graduates could manage these loans even during the slower-earning early years. Performance ranks solidly middle-of-the-pack against both Michigan programs (40th percentile) and national competitors (42nd percentile), with graduates earning about $2,000 less initially than the state median but catching up as their careers progress.

The small cohort size is the real wildcard here. These numbers could represent a few graduates who found good opportunities in translation, education, or international business—or they could shift significantly next year. If your child is genuinely passionate about Romance languages and committed to pursuing careers where these skills matter, the manageable debt and solid mid-career earnings suggest reasonable value. But this isn't a program to choose for purely financial reasons, and you'll want to ensure your student has clear plans for applying their language skills professionally.