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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor stands out among Michigan's Romance Languages programs with a 93.20% graduation rate despite accepting only 17.69% of applicants, creating an unusual value proposition at $14,832 net cost. The state's 15 programs span a $14,948 price gap between the most affordable public options and private institutions, with earnings ranging from $20,140 to $34,847. Michigan's automotive giants like Ford and GM increasingly seek multilingual professionals for their expanding Latin American operations, while the state's growing tourism industry along the Great Lakes creates demand for French and Spanish speakers. Grand Valley State delivers the highest earnings at $34,847 with a manageable $17,096 net cost, making it particularly attractive for students balancing affordability with career prospects. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship adds up to $5,500 for in-state students, making public options like Saginaw Valley State even more accessible at just $14,582 net cost.
25
Programs
$10,904 – $25,749
Net Price Range
$30,372
Avg. Program Earnings
62.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,584 $31,127 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
2 $14,582 $30,409 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
3 $14,832 $30,336 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
4 $17,096 $34,847 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
5 $17,485 $33,993 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
6 $16,041 $30,119 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
7 $18,902 $33,281 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
8 $18,701 $31,852 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
9 $20,751 $26,850 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
10 $24,783 $31,133 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
11 $25,749 $20,140 $40,420 82.3% 80.5%
12 $18,873 $58,764 81.7% 79.3%
13 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
14 $20,899 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
15 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
16 $12,280 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
17 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
18 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
19 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
20 $22,384 $29,100 61.6% 81.8%
21 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
22 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
23 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
24 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
25 $16,882 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Michigan-Ann Arbor worth the 17.69% acceptance rate for Romance Languages students?

Michigan-Ann Arbor combines a 93.20% graduation rate with relatively low debt of $16,672, significantly below the program average of $24,291. The net cost of $14,832 positions it competitively against other public options while delivering outcomes that justify the selective admissions. Students benefit from extensive study abroad partnerships and faculty research opportunities that improve career prospects beyond the $30,336 median earnings.

How do private college costs compare to earnings potential in Michigan's Romance Languages programs?

Private institutions like Hope College charge $25,749 net cost but produce the lowest earnings at $20,140, creating a concerning return on investment. Calvin University offers better value at $24,783 net cost with $31,133 earnings, while Aquinas College provides the strongest private option at $18,902 net cost and $33,281 earnings. Public alternatives consistently deliver better cost-to-earnings ratios across the board.

Does Grand Valley State University justify its position as the highest-earning program?

Grand Valley State graduates earn $34,847, the highest among all Michigan Romance Languages programs, while maintaining a reasonable $17,096 net cost. The 68.60% graduation rate exceeds the state average, and the 90.37% acceptance rate makes admission accessible. However, graduates carry $27,000 in debt, which still allows for manageable loan payments given the strong earning potential.

Where can students find the most affordable Romance Languages education in Michigan?

Saginaw Valley State University offers the lowest net cost at $14,582 with in-state tuition of just $12,240. Oakland University follows closely at $13,584 net cost while delivering stronger earnings of $31,127 and a better graduation rate of 56.90%. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship can reduce these costs by up to $5,500 for qualifying in-state students.

Is the graduation rate gap between public and private schools significant for Romance Languages students?

Private institutions average graduation rates around 75%, with Hope College leading at 82.30% and Calvin University at 77.40%. Public schools show more variation, from Northern Michigan's 50.80% to Michigan-Ann Arbor's strong 93.20%. However, most public programs cluster between 53-68%, making private school premiums difficult to justify given the modest graduation rate advantages.

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