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

UCLA's East Asian Languages program graduates face a rocky start but strong recovery trajectory. First-year earnings of $24,000 trail the national median by $3,300, placing this in the bottom 15% nationally—concerning given UCLA's 9% acceptance rate and prestigious reputation. However, by year four, earnings jump 76% to $42,000, well above both national ($27,000) and California ($22,000) medians. Among California's 24 programs in this field, UCLA ranks in the 60th percentile, outpacing schools like SFSU and SDSU despite the slow initial launch.

The debt picture is relatively manageable at $13,900, though even this modest amount represents 58% of first-year earnings. This is a higher debt burden than 95% of similar programs nationally, meaning graduates carry more debt relative to their initial earning power than nearly everyone else. The saving grace is that four-year earnings improve enough to make the loan burden less oppressive over time.

For parents, this program requires accepting a difficult first year or two post-graduation—likely involving financial support or side jobs—in exchange for better mid-term prospects. If your student has genuine passion for East Asian studies and a plan for that challenging initial period, UCLA's name recognition and eventual earnings growth offer a path forward. But if they're uncertain about the field or need immediate financial independence after graduation, the early earnings shortfall is a serious practical obstacle.