Romance Languages & Literatures at Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
20
Optimistic
20
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,773/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (58% exposed)
Job Market Large (75,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #188 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 $402K $414K $403K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 20 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$203,856
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,480
58% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$43,793
77% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,773 place Pacific Lutheran University below the $34,637 national median for Romance Languages & Literatures — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

An earnings multiple of 2.0x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 58% task exposure — and the -0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #188 out of 198 programs, Pacific Lutheran University's financial outcomes for Romance Languages & Literatures trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 2,350 students in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $85,480 — 58% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Pacific Lutheran 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 Pacific Lutheran 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

How does Pacific Lutheran University's Romance Languages & Literatures program score?
This program scores 20/100 — on the lower end for Romance Languages & Literatures. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Romance Languages & Literatures to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Romance Languages & Literatures careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 58% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Romance Languages & Literatures earnings lower at Pacific Lutheran University?
Lower starting pay at Pacific Lutheran University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is Romance Languages & Literatures at Pacific Lutheran University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $203,856, but the average net cost is $85,480 — a 58% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →