Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Wisconsin Lutheran College

With estimated debt of $25,490 and first-year earnings around $37,000 based on comparable Wisconsin programs, this Romance languages degree carries a manageable debt load—though the small graduate cohort that triggers these estimates should make any parent pause to consider program size and campus culture fit.

The earnings picture sits right at Wisconsin's median for language programs, though notably below what top state programs report. UW-Green Bay and UW-Whitewater graduates earn roughly $5,000-$6,000 more annually, suggesting that Wisconsin Lutheran's smaller scale or different alumni networks may not provide the same early career boost. Still, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 means students would owe less than seven months of first-year salary—well within reasonable bounds for humanities degrees.

What matters most here is understanding why so few students complete this program that the Department of Education suppresses the actual outcomes data. This could signal limited course offerings, combined majors, or simply a tight-knit cohort. For families drawn to Wisconsin Lutheran's faith-based mission and intimate setting, these estimates suggest the financial fundamentals are sound enough to make the decision based on fit rather than returns. But if your student is choosing this program purely for career prospects, the bigger state schools show clearer advantages in launching Romance language graduates into higher-paying roles.