East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at University of Oregon

University of Oregon's East Asian Languages program shows stronger earnings than most Oregon alternatives, landing at the 60th percentile statewide—though the small graduate pool (under 30) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. The $27,331 first-year salary matches the national median exactly, and the relatively modest $21,201 debt load creates a manageable 0.78 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The real story here is trajectory: earnings jump 44% to $39,303 by year four, suggesting graduates either pursue additional credentials or build valuable skills that employers eventually recognize. This pattern is common in language programs where entry-level options may be limited but specialization pays off. The program costs slightly less than the state median ($21,201 vs $23,350), which helps offset those initially modest salaries.

However, the small sample size matters considerably for a humanities major at a large public university. If just a few graduates land consulting jobs in Asia or work for tech companies with Pacific Rim operations, they could skew these numbers upward. Conversely, a cohort heavy on teaching assistants or retail workers could push them down. For families, this means the $21,000 investment carries real variability depending on your student's network, language proficiency level, and willingness to relocate to markets where bilingual skills command premium pay.