Romance Languages & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures at Kean University?
At 40/100, 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 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 →