East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

UNC Charlotte's East Asian Languages program starts graduates at $24,825—below the national median but exactly matching North Carolina's median for this field. That 60th percentile state ranking might sound reassuring, but with only three schools offering this program in NC, it's essentially middle-of-the-pack by default. The national picture is less flattering: this program lands in the 25th percentile compared to similar programs nationwide.

The debt load of $28,313 is actually higher than the national median for this degree ($20,685), creating a first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.14. The program does show promising trajectory—earnings jump 51% to $37,472 by year four, suggesting the degree opens doors that take time to walk through. That growth pattern is typical for language programs where graduates often need additional experience or credentials to reach higher-paying roles.

The critical caveat here: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making these numbers potentially volatile year to year. For a family comfortable with modest starting salaries and patient about career development, this could work—especially if your child has specific career goals in translation, education, or international business where this expertise creates value. But if they're uncertain about post-graduation plans, the below-average starting salary and above-average debt create real financial pressure during those crucial first years.