American Sign Language at Valdosta State University

Valdosta State's ASL program stands out in Georgia, with first-year earnings of $37,692 significantly outpacing the state median of $31,674 and nearly matching the top of the national range. The debt picture appears manageable at an estimated $23,606—below the national median for ASL programs—though this figure is based on similar programs at Valdosta State rather than this specific major's outcomes. The resulting 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could reasonably pay off their loans within two to three years if they prioritize debt reduction.

The earnings advantage is real: these graduates place in the 95th percentile nationally for ASL programs, well above the national median of $32,695. Within Georgia, they're in the 60th percentile, but that's largely because there are only two programs in the state—and Valdosta State's outcomes appear stronger than Georgia State's $25,656. The field itself tends toward modest starting salaries, but this program positions graduates toward the higher end.

For a family concerned about return on investment, the combination of strong earnings relative to both state and national peers with below-average estimated debt creates a favorable scenario. The small graduate cohort that led to estimated debt figures does mean less certainty about the exact financial picture, but the earnings data is actual and impressive for this field.