Romance Languages at Kean University

Union, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,750/yr (23% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (58% exposed)
Job Market Large (75,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #60 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 graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $488K $489K $457K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.1x 8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.8x 5.8x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,704
Out-of-state: $84,304 (5.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,672
9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,451
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,454
11% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Kean University's Romance Languages graduates start at $42,750/yr — above the $34,637 national average, though not by a wide margin.

A 9.1x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Romance Languages career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $29,451 against $42,750/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #60 ranking among 198 Romance Languages programs places Kean University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $42,750 to $47,454 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Kean University

A 77% acceptance rate means Kean University is accessible to most applicants, serving 10,842 students in Union, NJ. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Kean 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 Kean University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Romance Languages at Kean University?
At 40/100, 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 Kean 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 →