Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Wright State University-Main Campus

That first-year figure of $23,739 sits at the 5th percentile nationally—among the lowest outcomes for Romance language programs anywhere in the country. Even within Ohio, where this program lands at the 40th percentile, it lags behind the state median of $27,815 by over $4,000. Wright State graduates in this program are earning $10,000-plus less in year one than peers at Miami University or UC, and roughly $19,000 less than Denison grads. The debt load of $19,500 is actually lower than typical Romance language programs (both nationally and in-state), but it still represents nearly a full year's starting salary.

The 62% earnings growth to year four brings graduates to $38,524, which finally exceeds the national median. This is the program's best case: graduates who stay the course see meaningful income improvement. But that dramatic climb also signals how unprepared graduates are for immediate earning power—likely taking years to transition into roles that leverage their degree.

Given the small sample size here (under 30 graduates), individual career choices could be skewing these numbers. But the pattern is clear enough: unless your child has specific graduate school plans or family financial support to bridge those lean early years, Wright State's Romance language program appears to be one of the weaker launching pads in both the state and nation.