Romance Languages & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures'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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures at Mercer University?
A score of 22/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Romance Languages & Literatures. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Romance Languages & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 →