Best Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 17 colleges offering Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 361 recent graduates. Graduates earn $32,356 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $32,299.

School choice matters significantly: University of Chicago graduates earn $42,682 while Illinois Wesleyan University graduates earn $21,052 — a $21,630 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

17
Schools in IL
$32,356
IL Avg. Earnings
$32,299
National Avg.
314
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics in Illinois

Public Schools (6)
$32,649
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (11)
$32,196
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Illinois produce comparable or higher early earnings for Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

#1
U

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$42,682
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 4.8%
#2
I

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

$36,992
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,648
Graduates: 35
Acceptance: 89.0%
#3
D

Dominican University

River Forest, IL · Private

$36,141
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,524
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 79.8%
#4
W

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · Private

$35,864
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 90.0%
#5
U

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$34,603
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,765
Graduates: 45
Acceptance: 78.5%
#6
L

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,546
Graduates: 32
Acceptance: 81.4%
#7
D

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$33,565
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $24,694
Graduates: 33
Acceptance: 73.5%
#8
A

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private

$33,281
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,952
Graduates: 34
Acceptance: 67.7%
#9
N

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL · Public

$32,711
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,275
Graduates: 17
Acceptance: 70.4%
#10
W

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public

$31,133
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,623
Graduates: 19
Acceptance: 75.0%
#11
U

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$30,771
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,246
Graduates: 59
Acceptance: 43.7%
#12
E

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL · Private

$29,685
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 75.7%
#13
L

Lake Forest College

Lake Forest, IL · Private

$29,685
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,945
Graduates: 29
Acceptance: 59.4%
#14
N

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$29,685
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,549
Graduates: 27
Acceptance: 70.5%
#15
K

Knox College

Galesburg, IL · Private

$29,250
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 71.1%
#16
B

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

$28,960
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 76.7%
#17
I

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · Private

$21,052
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 45.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics in Illinois?
University of Chicago ranks #1 for Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $42,682 within two years of graduation. There are 17 schools offering Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics programs in the state.
How much do Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics graduates earn in Illinois?
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics graduates in Illinois earn an average of $32,356 within two years of graduation. This is near the national average of $32,299 for this major.
What is the hardest Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics school to get into in Illinois?
University of Chicago is the most selective Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 4.8%. The average acceptance rate across Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics programs in the state is 67.8%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics in Illinois?
In Illinois, private Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics programs produce average earnings of $32,196 vs $32,649 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 6 public and 11 private options in the state.

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.