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Romance Languages & Literatures at Ball State University

Muncie, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,553/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (58% exposed)
Job Market Large (75,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #96 of 198 Romance Languages & Literatures programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Romance Languages & Literatures graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $464K $468K $442K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.8x 10.9x 10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.1x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,032
Out-of-state: $115,064 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$63,592
-48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,702
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,975
12% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,553/yr, edging above the $34,637 national average for Romance Languages & Literatures — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 10.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Romance Languages & Literatures career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,702 against $37,553/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #96 ranking among 198 Romance Languages & Literatures programs places Ball State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $37,553 to $41,975 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Ball State University

Ball State University has a 72% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 13,770 in Muncie, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Ball State University →

Top Career Paths

Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary $77,010/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
Interpreters and translators $59,440/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 198 schools offering Romance Languages & Literatures →

Romance Languages & Literatures at Other Schools

Bentley University ($66,917) University of Rhode Island ($59,220) Southern Methodist University ($57,858) Columbia University in the City of New York ($54,327) Colgate University ($53,541) College of the Holy Cross ($52,210) Bucknell University ($51,120) Illinois State University ($49,448)

Other Majors at Ball State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($73,719) Construction Management ($69,076) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($67,833) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($67,350) General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations ($65,184) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($60,526) Landscape Architecture ($59,972) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($59,249)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Romance Languages & Literatures trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Romance Languages & Literatures at Ball State University?
At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Romance Languages & Literatures programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Romance Languages & Literatures at Ball State University?
The 58% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →