Most American Sign Language programs take two years to complete. Graduates start earning $32,997 right after finishing, climbing to $45,044 four years out.
American Sign Language is a focused area of study within Languages. Graduates typically earn around $45,044 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 216 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 2,341 students complete this program each year, most earning a associate's. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$32,997
Median Earnings · 4yr
$45,044
Colleges Offering
216
Graduates / Year
2,341
Avg Net Price / yr
$13,728
How Much Do American Sign Language Graduates Earn?
American Sign Language graduates earn $45,044 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $30,539 and $59,549. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $32,997 climbs to $45,044 by year four.
$32,997
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.
$45,044
4-Year National Median
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
$45,474
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across American Sign Language graduates. Career path divergence explains most of the range. Law, consulting, and tech-adjacent roles pull the top end up; writing, education, and nonprofit roles tend to sit near the bottom.
$30,53925th pct.
$45,044Median
$59,54975th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $45,044 and an estimated $54,912 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.7 years.
Based on outcomes from 59 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 2,341 students who complete American Sign Language programs each year, the majority (48%) earn a associate's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
48%28%
Associate's48%
Bachelor's28%
Certificate16%
What Can You Do With an American Sign Language Degree?
American Sign Language connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Foreign Language and Literature Teachers leads at $79,350/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.
Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.
Top Colleges for American Sign Language
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many American Sign Language students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a American Sign Language program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
American Sign Language carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 3 strengths and 4 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.
PROS
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $32,997 at graduation to $45,044 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 75,000 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Flexible credential pathsPrograms are available from certificate and associate levels through bachelor's and graduate degrees, giving students real options based on timeline and goals.
CONS
Modest median earningsFour-year median of $45,044 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas2 related careers show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
High earnings varianceGap between 25th ($30,539) and 75th ($59,549) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.
American Sign Language Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do American Sign Language graduates earn?
American Sign Language graduates earn a national median of $45,044 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $30,539 and $59,549. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a American Sign Language degree?
One year after graduation, American Sign Language degree holders earn a median of $32,997. That climbs to $45,044 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a American Sign Language degree?
American Sign Language degree holders pursue careers including Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, which pays a median of $79,350/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a American Sign Language program take?
A American Sign Language associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer American Sign Language?
216 colleges and universities in the United States offer American Sign Language programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a American Sign Language degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $45,044 and an average net price of roughly $13,728/yr, a American Sign Language degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between American Sign Language and Languages?
American Sign Language is a focused concentration within the broader Languages field. The Languages major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to American Sign Language-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in American Sign Language graduates?
Employers hiring American Sign Language graduates consistently prioritize writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles.
What is the job outlook for American Sign Language graduates?
The job outlook for American Sign Language graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of 0.0% job growth over the next 10 years. Interpreters and Translators is among the strongest-growth roles at +1.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Languages Programs
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