2026 Best Value Romance Languages Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Romance Languages doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 998 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Romance Languages Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras, our #1 best-value Romance Languages school in the United States. Located in San Juan, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,324. Typical Romance Languages student debt is $5,673. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,723. That is a strong return on a $5,673 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras admits about 55% of applicants. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras profile
You'll get strong value at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,241 to complete their Romance Languages program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $19,241 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Berkeley earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Romance Languages students take on a median of $11,593 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas Tech University earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas Tech University
University Of Houston came in at #5 on this year's best-value Romance Languages ranking in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,750 to complete their Romance Languages program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University Of Houston report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $20,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Romance Languages schools. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus Romance Languages students take on a median of $14,050 in debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,050 median debt. The acceptance rate is 17%. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of California Los Angeles placed #8 among the best-value Romance Languages schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,752 to complete their Romance Languages program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of California Davis landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. University Of California Davis Romance Languages students take on a median of $14,171 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Davis profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Students borrow a median of $13,500 to complete their Romance Languages program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. That is a strong return on a $13,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 15%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Temple University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,727 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on Temple University
University Of Florida ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Romance Languages schools. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. See the full University Of Florida profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #12 among the best-value Romance Languages schools in the United States. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $21,800 to complete their Romance Languages program here. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,800 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Arizona State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $21,534 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arizona State University
University Of Georgia ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Romance Languages schools. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. University Of Georgia Romance Languages students take on a median of $22,760 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $22,760 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Florida State University placed #16 among the best-value Romance Languages schools in the United States. Set in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Typical Romance Languages student debt is $19,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. See the full Florida State University profile
University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Romance Languages schools. Located in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. The median Romance Languages program debt is $20,373. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,738 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Boulder has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Boulder
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Romance Languages schools. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Cornell University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Romance Languages schools. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete their Romance Languages program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of California Irvine came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. University Of California Irvine Romance Languages students take on a median of $9,500 in debt. University Of California Irvine alumni report median earnings of $80,735 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine
University Of Notre Dame offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. University Of Notre Dame Romance Languages students take on a median of $19,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $99,980. Set against $19,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Notre Dame has an acceptance rate of 11%. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #22 among the best-value Romance Languages schools in the United States. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. The median Romance Languages program debt is $20,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,491 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia University In The City Of New York has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public school based in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Typical Romance Languages student debt is $27,000. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus alumni report median earnings of $66,125 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Stony Brook University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Stony Brook, NY. Students from in state pay about $10,931 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,741. Graduates carry a median of $19,212 in student loans. Median earnings reach $74,502 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,212 median debt. Stony Brook University has an acceptance rate of 49%. Get the full Stony Brook University report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #25 among the best-value Romance Languages schools in the United States. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $13,559 to complete their Romance Languages program here. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Romance Languages Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Graduates carry a median of $17,559 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,740 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of Illinois At Chicago profile
University Of Kentucky came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Typical Romance Languages student debt is $24,094. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
Duke University placed #27 among the best-value Romance Languages schools in the United States. Duke University is a private not-for-profit school based in Durham, NC. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,800. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Duke University
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Romance Languages schools. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Typical Romance Languages student debt is $14,000. Indiana University Bloomington alumni report median earnings of $63,742 a decade after entry. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
Georgetown University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,089. Graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,494 ten years after entry. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 13% of applicants are accepted. More on Georgetown University
University Of Arizona came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Graduates carry a median of $16,725 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. Set against $16,725 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about University Of Arizona
University Of New Mexico Main Campus placed #32 among the best-value Romance Languages schools in the United States. Based in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,140, compared with $33,060 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,187 to complete their Romance Languages program here. University Of New Mexico Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $44,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,187 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus profile
Vanderbilt University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. Students from in state pay about $67,498 in tuition and fees. Vanderbilt University Romance Languages students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Vanderbilt University alumni report median earnings of $91,565 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Vanderbilt University report
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public school based in New Brunswick, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Rutgers University New Brunswick Romance Languages students take on a median of $22,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick
University Of Oregon came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. University Of Oregon is a public school based in Eugene, OR. Students from in state pay about $15,320 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. The median Romance Languages program debt is $19,500. University Of Oregon alumni report median earnings of $61,324 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Oregon report
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Ohio State University Main Campus Romance Languages students take on a median of $22,746 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,409. Set against $22,746 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Romance Languages schools. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Typical Romance Languages student debt is $22,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,251. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
University At Buffalo came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,936, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. The median Romance Languages program debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $70,814 ten years out. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University At Buffalo profile
University Of Kansas ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Romance Languages schools. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. University Of Kansas Romance Languages students take on a median of $23,608 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Brown University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. Students from in state pay about $71,312 in tuition and fees. The median Romance Languages program debt is $13,025. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $93,487. Set against $13,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. More on Brown University
University Of Massachusetts Amherst offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Typical Romance Languages student debt is $25,234. University Of Massachusetts Amherst alumni report median earnings of $71,631 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,234 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
University Of California Riverside placed #43 among the best-value Romance Languages schools in the United States. Set in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Typical Romance Languages student debt is $19,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,699. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Riverside
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Typical Romance Languages student debt is $17,677. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor alumni report median earnings of $83,648 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,677 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Boston University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,102. Graduates carry a median of $25,232 in student loans. Boston University alumni report median earnings of $83,238 a decade after entry. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. More on Boston University
University Of Chicago came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. Typical Romance Languages student debt is $15,854. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,885. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read the full report on University Of Chicago
Tulane University Of Louisiana came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in New Orleans, LA, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,678. The median Romance Languages program debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,268. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 14%. Read more about Tulane University Of Louisiana
Middlebury College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Middlebury, VT, Middlebury College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,600. Students borrow a median of $15,948 to complete their Romance Languages program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,310 ten years after entry. Set against $15,948 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Middlebury College has an acceptance rate of 11%. More on Middlebury College
Scripps College
Scripps College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Scripps College
University Of Sioux Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. More on University Of Sioux Falls
Related Romance Languages Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Romance Languages Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Romance Languages Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Romance Languages Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Romance Languages Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Romance Languages Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Romance Languages Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Romance Languages Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 998 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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