Romance Languages at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,942/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (58% exposed)
Job Market Large (75,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #24 of 198 Romance Languages & Literatures programs Top 25%

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 $584K $573K $518K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.0x 8.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.2x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,016
Out-of-state: $138,004 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,804
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,254
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,665
61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,942 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign come in 12% above the national median of $34,637 for Romance Languages programs.

A 9.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Romance Languages career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,254 against $38,942/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #24 among 198 Romance Languages programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $38,942-to-$62,665 earnings arc over five years reflects a 61% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

A 44% admission rate makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving a student body of 34,623 in Champaign, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign →

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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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 does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Romance Languages at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Romance Languages programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Romance Languages at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
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.
Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign one of the best schools for Romance Languages?
Among 198 Romance Languages programs, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's #24 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →