American Sign Language at Lamar University

Lamar's ASL program shows graduates earning $27,330 in their first year—about $5,400 below the national median for this degree. While that 5th percentile national ranking looks alarming, the Texas context tells a more nuanced story: this program actually sits at the 60th percentile among the state's three ASL bachelor's programs, with earnings matching the Texas median exactly.

The real concern here is what $27,330 means in practical terms. Graduates carry $24,262 in debt, which translates to roughly $270 in monthly loan payments. At this income level, those payments will consume about 12% of gross income—manageable but tight. The field itself tends toward lower pay regardless of school, as interpreting and educational support roles don't command high starting salaries. That said, the debt load is relatively modest compared to many bachelor's programs.

The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so one or two outliers could significantly skew these numbers. For families considering this program, the decision hinges less on school choice and more on commitment to the field itself. If your child is passionate about ASL interpretation or deaf education, Lamar offers an affordable path into the profession without crushing debt. But they need to enter with realistic salary expectations and a clear career plan, as there's limited financial upside compared to other majors.