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Centre College graduates earn $33,809 annually, the highest among Kentucky's Romance Languages programs, though students pay a net price of $21,497 compared to just $4,483 at Berea College. This $17,000 cost difference highlights the dramatic range across Kentucky's 19 programs. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with Northern Kentucky University offering the lowest net cost at $7,168 despite serving the Louisville-Cincinnati corridor where international business connections create demand for multilingual professionals. Kentucky's growing logistics sector, anchored by UPS Worldport in Louisville, increasingly values employees with language skills for global supply chain operations. The state's bourbon industry also relies on Romance language expertise for international marketing and distribution partnerships.
19
Programs
$4,483 – $23,587
Net Price Range
$28,381
Avg. Program Earnings
54.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,483 $23,579 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
2 $7,168 $23,351 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
3 $10,916 $33,459 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
4 $9,962 $25,967 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
5 $13,485 $26,353 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
6 $17,218 $30,119 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
7 $17,634 $30,409 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
8 $21,497 $33,809 $50,550 85.3% 62.9%
9 $8,900 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
10 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
11 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
12 $13,591 $24,150 39.1%
13 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
14 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
15 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
16 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
17 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
18 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
19 $23,587 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College's Romance Languages program such an strong value?

Berea College charges just $4,483 net annually while maintaining a 62% graduation rate, making it the most affordable option in Kentucky. The college's work-study program helps offset costs further, and graduates earn $23,579 annually. Despite the low cost, Berea maintains highly selective admissions with only a 24.58% acceptance rate, ensuring academic quality alongside affordability.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for Romance Languages in Kentucky?

Public universities typically charge $7,000-$18,000 net annually compared to $13,000-$24,000 at private colleges. Western Kentucky University stands out among public options with graduates earning $33,459, matching Centre College's high earnings. However, private colleges like Centre College achieve an 85.3% graduation rate versus 48-70% at most public institutions, suggesting stronger student support systems.

Does the University of Kentucky justify its higher costs for Romance Languages students?

UK charges $17,218 net annually but delivers solid returns with graduates earning $30,119 and a strong 69.9% graduation rate. The university's size provides extensive language immersion opportunities and study abroad programs. UK's location in Lexington, Kentucky's second-largest city, offers internship opportunities with international businesses and healthcare systems that value multilingual professionals.

Where do Romance Languages graduates find the best earning potential in Kentucky?

Centre College and Western Kentucky University graduates both earn over $33,000 annually, the highest in the state. Louisville and Lexington offer the strongest job markets, with UPS Worldport, Humana, and Toyota requiring multilingual professionals. The bourbon industry's international expansion also creates opportunities for Romance language specialists in marketing, tourism, and export operations throughout central Kentucky.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.