East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at University of California-Davis

UC Davis's East Asian Languages program stands out sharply in California's competitive landscape. At $47,647 four years out, graduates here earn more than double the state median of $21,920—placing this program in the 80th percentile among California schools. That's a meaningful premium over UCLA and significantly better than San Diego State, suggesting Davis has developed stronger career pipelines or alumni networks for this field.

The trajectory matters as much as the starting point. While the $28,997 first-year salary looks modest, earnings jump 64% by year four—one of the steeper growth curves you'll see in humanities programs. The $15,375 debt load is reasonable, creating a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio even in that challenging first year. For context, this debt level sits below California's median for the program, though slightly above the national benchmark.

The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means individual career paths can swing these numbers, but the pattern is consistent: Davis places its East Asian studies graduates into roles with real earning potential. If your student is genuinely passionate about the field, this program delivers better economic outcomes than most alternatives in California. Just ensure they have a plan for those initial lean years before the earnings acceleration kicks in.