French Language and Literature: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program engage in an in-depth exploration of the French language across its global variations and historical evolution. The curriculum emphasizes linguistic precision, cultural context, and practical application, preparing learners to navigate French-speaking environments in academic, professional, and international settings.
- Philology: The study of language development, historical evolution, and textual analysis, focusing on the origins and transformations of French across centuries.
- Metropolitan French: Advanced instruction in the standard form of French as spoken and written in France, including grammar, syntax, and literary usage.
- Canadian French: Examination of regional varieties of French spoken in Canada, with attention to phonetics, vocabulary, and sociolinguistic differences from European French.
- African and Caribbean Creoles: Analysis of French-based creole languages in Africa and the Caribbean, including linguistic structure, historical roots, and sociocultural significance.
- Dialects: Investigation into regional and sociolectal variations of French, exploring how geography, identity, and social dynamics shape spoken language.
- Applied Language Use: Training in deploying French in specialized domains such as international business, scientific research, technology, diplomacy, and cross-cultural communication.
French Language and Literature Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
French Language and Literature Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with French Language and Literature degrees, including Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education and Interpreters and Translators. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,147,070 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1124 | $77,010 | $47,090 - $134,960 | 21,170 | N/A |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2031 | $64,580 | $47,330 - $104,670 | 1,072,540 | N/A |
| Interpreters and Translators 27-3091 | $59,440 | $35,630 - $99,830 | 53,360 | $28.58 |
Salary Comparison
French Language and Literature Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,357 in Mississippi to $92,850 in California—a 92% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,147,070 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for French Language and Literature by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering French Language and Literature programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in French Language and Literature is found at University of Wisconsin-Madison (71 graduates), University of Virginia (UVA), Main Campus (36 graduates), Middlebury College (34 graduates), Weber State University (WSU) (31 graduates), and Columbia University in the City of New York (29 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,262 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
|
71 |
SAT: 1360-1510 ACT: 28-32 |
Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| University of Virginia (UVA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
36 |
SAT: 1410-1530 ACT: 32-34 |
Charlottesville, Virginia | Public | virginia.edu |
| Middlebury College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
34 |
SAT: 1430-1550 ACT: 33-34 |
Middlebury, Vermont | Private | middlebury.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
31 | N/A | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
29 |
SAT: 1490-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| Pasadena City College (PCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
26 | N/A | Pasadena, California | Public | pasadena.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
24 |
SAT: 1480-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Bachelor's
Residency
Other Award
|
22 | N/A | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Bachelor's
|
21 |
SAT: 1030-1270 ACT: 26-31 |
Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
20 |
SAT: 1050-1290 ACT: 21-27 |
Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
19 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
18 | N/A | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
18 |
SAT: 1230-1420 ACT: 28-33 |
Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
18 |
SAT: 1130-1320 ACT: 22-28 |
Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
18 |
SAT: 1150-1360 ACT: 24-29 |
Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
18 |
SAT: 1220-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
18 |
SAT: 1270-1450 ACT: 29-33 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
17 |
SAT: 1370-1520 ACT: 32-35 |
College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| University of Notre Dame (ND) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
16 |
SAT: 1440-1540 ACT: 33-35 |
Notre Dame, Indiana | Private | nd.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
16 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
|
16 |
SAT: 1330-1480 ACT: 29-32 |
Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Bachelor's
|
15 |
SAT: 1160-1390 ACT: 25-32 |
Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
15 |
SAT: 1300-1480 ACT: 29-33 |
Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
15 |
SAT: 1350-1530 ACT: 31-34 |
Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
15 | N/A | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
14 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| Mount Holyoke College (MHC) |
Bachelor's
|
14 |
SAT: 1350-1500 ACT: 31-33 |
South Hadley, Massachusetts | Private | mtholyoke.edu |
| Smith College |
Bachelor's
|
14 |
SAT: 1408-1540 ACT: 32-34 |
Northampton, Massachusetts | Private | smith.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
14 |
SAT: 1310-1480 ACT: 27-31 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| Drexel University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
14 |
SAT: 1230-1430 ACT: 27-33 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Glendale Community College (GCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | N/A | Glendale, California | Public | glendale.edu |
| Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Bachelor's
|
13 |
SAT: 1320-1480 ACT: 30-34 |
Dallas, Texas | Private | smu.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Bachelor's
|
12 |
SAT: 1390-1550 ACT: 32-34 |
Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| Kalamazoo College |
Bachelor's
|
12 | SAT: 1188-1373 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Private | kzoo.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
Bachelor's
|
12 |
SAT: 1110-1320 ACT: 21-27 |
Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | charlotte.edu |
| Bryn Mawr College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
12 |
SAT: 1300-1470 ACT: 30-33 |
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania | Private | brynmawr.edu |
| Austin Community College District (ACC) |
Associate's
|
12 | N/A | Austin, Texas | Public | austincc.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
12 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 19-27 |
Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1210-1420 ACT: 29-33 |
Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11 |
SAT: 1240-1390 ACT: 27-31 |
Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 24-29 |
Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | lsu.edu |
| Amherst College |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1360-1550 ACT: 31-35 |
Amherst, Massachusetts | Private | amherst.edu |
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
11 | N/A | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1290-1450 ACT: 28-32 |
Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Bachelor's
|
10 |
SAT: 1050-1220 ACT: 21-28 |
Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | N/A | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| University of California (UCSB) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | N/A | Santa Barbara, California | Public | ucsb.edu |
| Santa Clara University (SCU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 |
SAT: 1340-1500 ACT: 30-33 |
Santa Clara, California | Private | scu.edu |
| Georgia State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
10 |
SAT: 1040-1280 ACT: 19-26 |
Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gsu.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Bachelor's
|
10 |
SAT: 1390-1510 ACT: 31-33 |
New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| United States Military Academy (USMA) |
Bachelor's
|
10 |
SAT: 1200-1430 ACT: 28-33 |
West Point, New York | Public | westpoint.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
10 |
SAT: 1510-1560 ACT: 34-35 |
Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| Baylor University |
Bachelor's
|
10 |
SAT: 1210-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 1330-1470 ACT: 30-33 |
Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
9 |
SAT: 1490-1560 ACT: 33-35 |
Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| Grinnell College |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 1418-1550 ACT: 31-34 |
Grinnell, Iowa | Private | grinnell.edu |
| Boston College (BC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
9 |
SAT: 1430-1540 ACT: 33-34 |
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts | Private | bc.edu |
| Tufts University |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 1460-1550 ACT: 33-35 |
Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 1150-1350 ACT: 26-31 |
East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| St Olaf College |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 1260-1470 ACT: 28-32 |
Northfield, Minnesota | Private | wp.stolaf.edu |
| Miami University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
9 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 26-31 |
Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| University of Mount Union |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 1070-1290 ACT: 24-28 |
Alliance, Ohio | Private | mountunion.edu |
| University of Wisconsin (UWEC) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
9 | ACT: 21-27 | Eau Claire, Wisconsin | Public | uwec.edu |
| California State University (CSULB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
8 | N/A | Long Beach, California | Public | csulb.edu |
| MiraCosta College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
8 | N/A | Oceanside, California | Public | miracosta.edu |
| San Diego Mesa College |
Associate's
|
8 | N/A | San Diego, California | Public | sdmesa.edu |
| University of San Diego (USD) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | N/A | San Diego, California | Private | sandiego.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
8 |
SAT: 1120-1340 ACT: 25-32 |
Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| Wellesley College |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 1440-1550 ACT: 33-35 |
Wellesley, Massachusetts | Private | wellesley.edu |
| University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) |
Other Award
|
8 |
SAT: 1020-1260 ACT: 22-28 |
Detroit, Michigan | Private | udmercy.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
8 | ACT: 22-25 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
| Montclair State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
8 | SAT: 940-1225 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
| Princeton University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
8 |
SAT: 1500-1580 ACT: 34-35 |
Princeton, New Jersey | Private | princeton.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
8 |
SAT: 1270-1480 ACT: 28-33 |
New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| Hamilton College |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 1410-1550 ACT: 32-35 |
Clinton, New York | Private | hamilton.edu |
| Kenyon College |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 1360-1500 ACT: 31-34 |
Gambier, Ohio | Private | kenyon.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | N/A | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| Villanova University |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 1400-1510 ACT: 32-34 |
Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
| William & Mary (W&M) |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 1365-1510 ACT: 32-34 |
Williamsburg, Virginia | Public | wm.edu |
| Yale University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
7 |
SAT: 1500-1580 ACT: 33-35 |
New Haven, Connecticut | Private | yale.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
7 |
SAT: 1270-1510 ACT: 29-34 |
Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1160-1340 ACT: 27-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| Montana State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1060-1270 ACT: 20-27 |
Bozeman, Montana | Public | montana.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNR) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | N/A | Reno, Nevada | Public | unr.edu |
| University of New Mexico (UNM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
7 |
SAT: 900-1160 ACT: 19-26 |
Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | unm.edu |
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
7 | N/A | New York, New York | Public | gc.cuny.edu |
| Nazareth University |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1170-1330 ACT: 25-30 |
Rochester, New York | Private | www2.naz.edu |
| Skidmore College |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1300-1460 ACT: 30-33 |
Saratoga Springs, New York | Private | skidmore.edu |
| Vassar College |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1435-1550 ACT: 33-35 |
Poughkeepsie, New York | Private | vassar.edu |
| Duke University |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1510-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Durham, North Carolina | Private | duke.edu |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1220-1360 ACT: 24-28 |
Wilmington, North Carolina | Public | uncw.edu |
| Denison University (DU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1300-1470 ACT: 29-32 |
Granville, Ohio | Private | denison.edu |
| Wofford College |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1200-1350 ACT: 27-31 |
Spartanburg, South Carolina | Private | wofford.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1190-1460 ACT: 27-34 |
West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1240-1380 ACT: 25-31 |
Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| California State University (CSUSB) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | N/A | San Bernardino, California | Public | csusb.edu |
| Chabot College (CC) |
Other Award
|
6 | N/A | Hayward, California | Public | chabotcollege.edu |
| Chapman University |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1250-1430 ACT: 28-32 |
Orange, California | Private | chapman.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about French Language and Literature programs
How much can I earn with a French Language and Literature degree?
Salaries for French Language and Literature graduates vary by role and location. Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $77,010 annually, while Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education earn around $64,580. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $92,850 compared to $48,357 in Mississippi. Approximately 1,147,070 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest French Language and Literature programs?
Currently 373 accredited institutions offer French Language and Literature degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Wisconsin-Madison (71 graduates), University of Virginia (UVA), Main Campus (36 graduates), and Middlebury College (34 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in French Language and Literature growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 4,334 in 2010 to a peak of 2,750 in 2020, before declining slightly to 2,001 in 2023-24. This represents a 54% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a French Language and Literature degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, and Interpreters and Translators. Related occupations employ approximately 1,147,070 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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