Compare 9 French Language and Literature. programs in North Carolina. Average earnings: $44,455.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, French Language and Literature tells a different story. Across 9 programs, earnings range from $32,925 to $65,431—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Wake Forest University's French Language and Literature program leads with graduates earning $65,431, well above the $44,455 average. Duke follows at $59,604, while UNC Chapel Hill produces graduates earning $43,128 despite its strong overall reputation—proof that program outcomes don't mirror institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Duke graduates borrow $13,000 and face just a 4.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22, graduates can clear their student loans with about 3 months of salary.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Wake Forest UniversityPrivate | $65,431 | 27 | $21,500 | Excellent | $30,000 | Manageable |
| #2 | Duke UniversityPrivate | $59,604 | 18 | $13,000 | Excellent | $27,998 | Manageable |
| #3 | $43,128 | 90 | $14,000 | Good | $25,072 | High | |
| #4 | $42,495 | 39 | $19,500 | Manageable | $22,737 | High | |
| #5 | $42,064 | 83 | $21,500 | Manageable | $19,809 | High | |
| #6 | $40,330 | 29 | $21,868 | Manageable | $18,241 | High | |
| #7 | $38,491 | 6 | $20,500 | Manageable | $20,305 | High | |
| #8 | $35,624 | 30 | $22,858 | Challenging | $14,638 | High | |
| #9 | Elon UniversityPrivate | $32,925 | 17 | $20,500 | High | $46,609 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
