Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $32,630 track close to the $34,637 national median for Romance Languages programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
At 8.4x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 58% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt-to-$32,630 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #129 out of 198 programs, Western Michigan University's financial outcomes for Romance Languages trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $32,630 to $49,620 over five years (52% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.