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Berea College stands apart from Kentucky's Romance Languages programs with a net cost of just $4,483, making it dramatically more affordable than even the state's public universities. While Northern Kentucky University follows at $7,168 and Kentucky State at $8,900, the cost jumps significantly to private options like Georgetown College at $13,485. Kentucky's growing international business sector, particularly with companies like Toyota's Georgetown plant and UPS Worldport's global shipping operations, creates opportunities for Romance language graduates in translation services, international relations, and cultural liaison roles. The earnings data reveals interesting patterns, with Western Kentucky University graduates earning $33,459 despite a moderate net cost of $10,916, while some lower-cost programs show earnings in the mid-$20,000 range. The University of Kentucky and University of Louisville, though pricier at over $17,000 net cost, offer the research resources and alumni networks that often benefit language students seeking graduate school or international career paths.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
2 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
3 $8,900 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
4 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
5 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
6 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
7 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
8 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
9 $13,485 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
10 $13,591 $24,150 39.1%
11 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
12 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
13 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
14 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
15 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
16 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
17 $21,497 $50,550 85.3% 62.9%
18 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
19 $23,587 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College so much cheaper than other Romance Languages programs in Kentucky?

Berea College operates on a unique model where all students receive a tuition promise scholarship, resulting in a net cost of only $4,483 compared to the state average of over $12,000. The college requires students to work on campus, which helps offset costs while providing practical experience. Even compared to public universities like Northern Kentucky at $7,168, Berea offers strong value for Romance language students seeking an affordable liberal arts education.

How do earnings compare between Kentucky's public and private Romance Languages programs?

Western Kentucky University graduates earn the highest at $33,459, significantly above the state average, despite being a public institution with moderate costs. University of Kentucky and University of Louisville graduates earn around $30,000, while smaller programs like Northern Kentucky show lower earnings at $23,351. Private institutions show mixed results, with Georgetown College graduates earning $26,353, suggesting that program quality and alumni networks matter more than public versus private status.

Is the University of Kentucky worth the higher cost for Romance Languages students?

At $17,218 net cost, UK charges significantly more than regional universities but offers advantages like a 69.90% graduation rate, the highest among Kentucky programs. The research opportunities, study abroad connections, and alumni network often justify the extra expense for students planning graduate school or international careers. With graduates earning $30,119, the return on investment compares favorably to lower-cost alternatives.

Where can Romance Languages graduates find employment opportunities in Kentucky?

Toyota's Georgetown manufacturing facility regularly needs translators and cultural liaisons for its Japanese operations, while UPS Worldport in Louisville handles international shipping requiring multilingual communication skills. The state's growing healthcare sector, anchored by companies like Humana, increasingly values employees who can serve varied patient populations. Additionally, Kentucky's bourbon industry markets globally, creating opportunities for graduates in international marketing and cultural consultation roles.

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