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Romance Languages at Ball State University

Muncie, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,553/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (58% exposed)
Job Market Large (75,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #96 of 198 Romance Languages & Literatures programs Top 50%

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 $464K $468K $442K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.8x 10.9x 10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.1x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,032
Out-of-state: $115,064 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$63,592
-48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,702
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,975
12% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,553/yr, edging above the $34,637 national average for Romance Languages — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 10.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Romance Languages career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,702 against $37,553/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #96 ranking among 198 Romance Languages programs places Ball State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $37,553 to $41,975 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Ball State University

Ball State University has a 72% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 13,770 in Muncie, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Ball State University →

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

Compare this program → View all 198 schools offering Romance Languages →

Romance Languages at Other Schools

Bentley University ($66,917) University of Rhode Island ($59,220) Southern Methodist University ($57,858) Columbia University in the City of New York ($54,327) Colgate University ($53,541) College of the Holy Cross ($52,210) Bucknell University ($51,120) Illinois State University ($49,448)

Other Majors at Ball State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($73,719) Construction Management ($69,076) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($67,833) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($67,350) General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations ($65,184) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($60,526) Landscape Architecture ($59,972) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($59,249)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Romance Languages trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Romance Languages at Ball State University?
At 36/100, 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 Ball State University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →