American Sign Language at St Catherine University

St Catherine's ASL program shows a concerning starting salary of just $28,787—below the national median for ASL programs and ranking in only the 17th percentile nationally. However, the limited Minnesota data complicates the picture: with just two schools offering this degree in-state, St Catherine ties for the median. The modest $27,000 debt load keeps the situation manageable, with a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, but that first year will likely require careful budgeting or supplemental income.

The significant wildcard here is the 61% earnings jump by year four, when graduates reach $46,312. This substantial growth suggests the field rewards experience, though it's worth noting we're working with a very small sample size (under 30 graduates), making these projections less reliable than data from larger cohorts. ASL interpreting often follows this pattern—entry-level positions pay modestly while professionals build certification credentials and specialized skills.

For parents, the question is whether your child can weather that challenging first year while building toward better earnings. The debt burden isn't crushing, but combining it with a sub-$30,000 starting salary means living frugally initially. If your student is deeply committed to ASL interpreting and understands they're investing in a profession that develops over time rather than launching with immediate financial security, this could work—just ensure they have realistic expectations about that first year.