American Sign Language at Austin Community College District

Austin Community College's ASL certificate shows impressive initial placement—graduates earn $38,995 in their first year, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and beating the $29,878 national median by over $9,000. The debt burden is remarkably low at just under $9,000, less than half the typical $17,000 nationally. That 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly three months' salary, easily manageable.

The complication is what happens next: earnings drop 12% to $34,191 by year four. This could reflect several realities—some graduates may use the certificate as a stepping stone to other fields, educational interpreting positions might have salary caps, or the certificate holders could be working part-time while pursuing bachelor's degrees in interpreting. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes it hard to know which pattern dominates.

For a student committed to ASL interpretation, this certificate offers low-risk entry into the field. The minimal debt means even if earnings plateau or students decide to change direction, they won't be trapped by loan payments. Just understand that this certificate alone may not lead to rising earnings over time—many interpreters need additional credentials or degrees to access higher-paying positions in medical or legal settings.