Romance Languages at Mercer University

Macon, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,952/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (58% exposed)
Job Market Large (75,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #183 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 $413K $423K $410K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.6x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$163,560
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$89,400
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,250
10.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Mercer University's Romance Languages graduates start at $26,952/yr, trailing the $34,637 national average by 22%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The financial case is thin at 2.6x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Romance Languages's typical career paths, with 58% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 1% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,250 represents roughly 11 months of the $26,952 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #183 of 198 Romance Languages programs, Mercer University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Mercer University

Mercer University's 66% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a smaller institution with 4,620 students in Macon, GA. The average net cost of $89,400 over four years represents a 45% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Mercer 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

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Romance Languages at Mercer University?
A score of 22/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Romance Languages. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Romance Languages careers?
With 58% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $409,964 in decade earnings vs $413,184 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Romance Languages from Mercer University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →