American Sign Language at Kent State University at Kent

Kent, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
34
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,929/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (88,500 openings/yr)
ROI 8.8x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 19 American Sign Language programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

Kent State's ASL program consistently ranks among the best nationally, a reputation that helps graduates secure competitive positions. Your slightly above-average earnings reflect this strong program quality and the robust regional demand for skilled interpreters across Ohio's schools, healthcare systems, and public services. While AI risk appears high due to advancements in basic translation tools, remember that nuanced human communication, cultural context, and in-person interaction in critical settings like medical or legal interpreting remain irreplaceable. Your ability to provide empathy and navigate complex social dynamics is key. To thrive, focus on specializing in areas requiring deep cultural competency and advanced certification, or explore teaching roles where your expertise guides the next generation of interpreters.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to American Sign Language graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $447K $451K $429K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.7x 8.8x 8.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 5.1x 4.8x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 40% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 34 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,384
Out-of-state: $89,264 (5.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,456
-53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,390
10.4 months of Year 1 earnings

About Kent State University at Kent

Kent State University at Kent accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 19,134 in Kent, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Kent State University at Kent →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary $77,010/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

American Sign Language at Other Schools

Other Majors at Kent State University at Kent

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for American Sign Language at Kent State University at Kent?
A score of 34/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for American Sign Language. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace American Sign Language careers?
With 44% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $428,964 in decade earnings vs $446,679 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →