Compare 303 French Language and Literature. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $49,471. Top programs: $114,368+.
French Language and Literature programs produce graduates earning between $70,584 and $114,368—a spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 303 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The average across all programs sits at $49,471, meaning the top programs deliver more than double what a typical French degree produces.
Vanderbilt University's French Language and Literature program leads with graduates earning $114,368—more than $19K ahead of second-place Villanova ($94,964) and well above the $49,471 national average. Southern Methodist University rounds out the top three at $93,769, with a 63% acceptance rate that makes strong outcomes accessible to a broader pool of applicants. The data is clear: program-level choices drive earnings, not school rankings alone.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Vanderbilt's French graduates borrow just $14,000 in student loans and face a 2.1% payment burden, earning an 'Excellent' GPS affordability rating. For families factoring in parent loans, Vanderbilt again leads with a 7.4% combined burden—still 'Excellent'—meaning total family debt of $44,844 is easily manageable against $114,368 in program earnings.
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
