Romance Languages & Literatures at Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
19
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,999/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (58% exposed)
Job Market Large (75,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #190 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 $564K $555K $505K
Earnings Multiple 2.1x 2.0x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 19 13

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$271,220
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$152,728
44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,746
89% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,999 per year, Romance Languages & Literatures graduates from Vassar College earn below the $34,637 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 2.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 10% 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 $19,000 against $28,999/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #190 ranking among 198 Romance Languages & Literatures programs places Vassar College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $28,999-to-$54,746 earnings arc over five years reflects a 89% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Vassar College

A 18% acceptance rate puts Vassar College in competitive admissions territory, a smaller institution with 2,430 students in Poughkeepsie, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $152,728 over four years — 44% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Vassar College →

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 Vassar College

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 does a 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Romance Languages & Literatures at Vassar College?
At 19/100, 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 Vassar College?
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 Vassar College a good choice for Romance Languages & Literatures despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Vassar College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →