East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at San Francisco State University

The $19,861 first-year salary from San Francisco State's East Asian Languages program ranks at the very bottom nationally—5th percentile—but that tells only part of the story. Within four years, median earnings more than double to $41,409, ultimately surpassing even UC Davis graduates in this field and landing firmly in the middle of California programs. This dramatic trajectory suggests graduates may be starting in entry-level positions before leveraging language skills into better opportunities, though launching a career in San Francisco on under $20,000 presents obvious challenges.

The debt picture offers relief: at $14,108, it's substantially below both national and state medians for this degree, making the rocky start more manageable than it would be elsewhere. The 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable once you factor in that year-four salary, though parents should plan for significant financial support during that first year—particularly given San Francisco's cost of living.

This program makes sense for students with family support to weather the initial low earnings, especially those planning to stay in California where language skills may command better long-term value than the national picture suggests. The moderate sample size means these numbers represent real outcomes, not a statistical fluke. Just be clear-eyed about subsidizing those first few years while your graduate establishes themselves.