Romance Languages & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures 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 & Literatures at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Romance Languages & Literatures programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Romance Languages & Literatures 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 & Literatures?
Among 198 Romance Languages & Literatures 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 →