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Romance Languages & Literatures at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
40
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,909/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (58% exposed)
Job Market Large (75,000 openings/yr)
ROI 11.8x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #58 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 & Literatures graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $494K $494K $461K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.8x 11.8x 11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.5x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 27%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 40 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (4.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,246
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,493
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,909 at Iowa State University come in 9% above the national median of $34,637 for Romance Languages & Literatures programs.

With a 11.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $24,246 against $37,909/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #58 ranking among 198 Romance Languages & Literatures programs places Iowa State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 25% earnings increase from $37,909 to $47,493 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Iowa State University

Iowa State University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 25,033 students enrolled in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa 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 & Literatures →

Romance Languages & Literatures 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 Iowa State University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,913) Computer Engineering ($79,182) Computer Science ($78,517) Construction Engineering ($77,845) Chemical Engineering ($76,184) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($75,036) Industrial Engineering ($74,310) Mechanical Engineering ($72,900)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Romance Languages & Literatures 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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Romance Languages & Literatures at Iowa State University?
At 40/100, 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 Iowa 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 →