Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $24,208 place Augustana College below the $34,637 national median for Romance Languages — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
An earnings multiple of 2.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 58% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $24,208 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #193 out of 198 programs, Augustana College's financial outcomes for Romance Languages trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $24,208 to $55,297 over five years (128% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.