Best Colleges for American Sign Language

American Sign Language programs prepare students for careers as interpreters, translators, and deaf education specialists in a field where demand continues to grow. With only 18 schools nationwide offering dedicated ASL programs, finding the right fit requires careful consideration of several key factors.

When evaluating programs, students should prioritize hands-on practice opportunities, access to deaf community partnerships, and faculty who are native ASL users or certified interpreters. Look for curricula that combine language acquisition with cultural studies and practical interpretation skills. Strong programs also offer internship placements in educational, medical, or legal settings.

Graduates typically earn around $31,141 annually, though earnings vary significantly based on specialization, location, and certification level achieved.

Schools Ranked

$31,141

Avg. Program Earnings

53.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 18 Schools

College rankings
#	School	Median Earnings	Graduation Rate	School Type
1	Lamar University Beaumont, Texas	$41,565	37.2%	public
2	Gallaudet University Washington, District of Columbia	$39,729	46.6%	private-nonprofit
3	University of Houston Houston, Texas	$37,208	64.9%	public
4	Siena Heights University Adrian, Michigan	$37,208	51.1%	private-nonprofit
5	Columbia College Chicago Chicago, Illinois	$35,330	48.5%	private-nonprofit
6	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$33,993	65.1%	private-nonprofit
7	Augustana University Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$33,993	75.6%	private-nonprofit
8	Valdosta State University Valdosta, Georgia	$33,565	41.7%	public
9	William Woods University Fulton, Missouri	$32,806	57.0%	private-nonprofit
10	University of North Florida Jacksonville, Florida	$32,284	68.2%	public
11	Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, New York	$31,585	70.8%	private-nonprofit
12	Western Oregon University Monmouth, Oregon	$26,850	44.8%	public
13	Troy University Troy, Alabama	$26,353	46.8%	public
14	University of Louisville Louisville, Kentucky	$25,194	60.7%	public
15	Utah Valley University Orem, Utah	$24,863	40.7%	public
16	Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, Kentucky	$24,421	49.7%	public
17	University of New Mexico-Main Campus Albuquerque, New Mexico	$23,456	52.5%	public
18	Idaho State University Pocatello, Idaho	$20,140	38.3%	public