Romance Languages & Literatures at Seattle University

Seattle, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
18
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,082/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (58% exposed)
Job Market Large (75,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #195 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 $517K $514K $475K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 18 13

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$217,140
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$139,208
36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,319
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,719
70% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $28,082/yr fall 19% below the $34,637 national median for Romance Languages & Literatures. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The financial case is thin at 2.4x — 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 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $23,319 represents roughly 10 months of the $28,082 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #195 of 198 Romance Languages & Literatures programs, Seattle University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $47,719 show a 70% jump from the $28,082 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Seattle University

Seattle University has a 76% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 4,117 in Seattle, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $139,208 — 36% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Seattle 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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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Romance Languages & Literatures at Seattle University?
A score of 18/100 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 $474,933 in decade earnings vs $516,506 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Romance Languages & Literatures from Seattle 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 →