Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $33,419 track close to the $34,637 national median for Romance Languages programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
An earnings multiple of 2.7x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 58% task exposure — and the 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
At $15,610 in median debt against $33,419 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
At #120 out of 198 programs, Cornell University's financial outcomes for Romance Languages trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $33,419 to $81,245 over five years (143% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.