American Sign Language at Keuka College

Keuka College's ASL program produces graduates earning about $30,300 in their first year—roughly $2,400 below the national median for this field and slightly under New York's state median. Among the three New York schools offering this bachelor's degree, Keuka sits in the middle range, with Rochester Institute of Technology graduates earning about $1,700 more. The $26,000 in typical debt is close to both national and state averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86—manageable but not remarkable for a field where earnings already run modest.

The real constraint here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. That said, the pattern is consistent with what ASL interpreters typically earn early in their careers. With Keuka's 94% admission rate and focus on serving first-generation students (44% receive Pell grants), this program appears to be fulfilling an access mission rather than maximizing earnings outcomes.

For families evaluating this program, the question comes down to whether your student has a genuine commitment to ASL interpretation. The financial picture is workable—the debt won't be crushing—but this isn't a path to rapid financial independence. If your child is passionate about deaf education or interpretation, Keuka provides entry into the field at a reasonable cost. If they're uncertain about the career path, the modest earnings might feel limiting once loan payments begin.