Romance Languagesat California State University-Long Beach
Graduates earn $21,609/yr in their first year — about 38.0% below the national Romance Languages average. Base-case 10-year earnings $548K; scenarios range from $500K to $556K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at CSU Long Beach
Studying Romance Languages at CSU Long Beach offers a rich exploration of culture and communication. However, the Southern California job market for graduates with this specific degree can be highly competitive. Many roles, such as K-12 teaching in local districts or entry-level translation work, often have more modest starting salaries, especially without a second major or specialized certifications. While opportunities exist with community organizations, non-profits, or even some international businesses in the region, your language proficiency becomes significantly more valuable when paired with an in-demand discipline like business, technology, or public health. The noted AI risk for translation further emphasizes the need for complementary skills. To enhance your career trajectory, actively seek internships that apply your linguistic abilities in a professional context and strongly consider a minor or double major in a field with clearer, higher-earning pathways.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to CSU Long Beach's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Romance Languages
How CSU Long Beach stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at CSU Long Beach
Other highest-scoring programs offered at CSU Long Beach, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Romance Languages offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Romance Languages trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Romance Languages at CSU Long Beach
What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Romance Languages at California State University-Long Beach?
At 34/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Romance Languages programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Romance Languages at California State University-Long Beach?
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.
Is California State University-Long Beach a good choice for Romance Languages despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Long Beach's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.