Romance Languages at Dominican University

River Forest, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,102/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (58% exposed)
Job Market Large (75,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #178 of 198 Romance Languages & Literatures programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $424K $432K $417K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.9x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 24 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$151,376
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,452
60% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,246
10.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Dominican University's Romance Languages graduates start at $29,102/yr, trailing the $34,637 national average by 16%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 2.9x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Romance Languages career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,246 against $29,102/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #178 ranking among 198 Romance Languages programs places Dominican University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Dominican University

A 80% acceptance rate means Dominican University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 2,271 in River Forest, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 49% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. The average net cost of $60,452 over four years represents a 60% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Dominican 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

Romance Languages at Other Schools

Other Majors at Dominican University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Romance Languages at Dominican University?
At 24/100, 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 Dominican 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.
Is Dominican University a good choice for Romance Languages despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Dominican University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Romance Languages at Dominican University?
The 60% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $151,376. At a net cost of $60,452, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →