East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Portland State University

Portland State's East Asian Languages program reports first-year earnings of $25,262—about $2,000 below the state median and $1,000 below peers at University of Oregon. While these figures place graduates in the 40th percentile among Oregon's five programs, the sample size here is quite small (under 30 graduates), which means a few outliers could significantly skew the results either way.

The debt picture offers some reassurance: at $25,500, borrowers face manageable obligations that nearly match their first-year income. This debt load sits in just the 8th percentile nationally, meaning 92% of similar programs nationwide leave students with more debt. For a language program that often leads to careers requiring additional credentials or international experience, starting with relatively low debt provides flexibility. PSU's high admission rate and substantial Pell population (40%) suggest this degree serves many first-generation and lower-income students for whom minimizing debt matters enormously.

The real question is whether $25,000 earnings represent a temporary stepping stone or a longer-term ceiling. Language majors frequently pursue graduate degrees, teaching certifications, or international positions that boost earnings beyond year one. If your child sees this as foundation training rather than career preparation, the low debt makes it workable. If they expect the bachelor's degree alone to lead to immediate financial independence, these numbers suggest looking closely at alumni outcomes beyond that crucial first year.