American Sign Language at Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public · Certificate

With 83% of applicants admitted, Temple University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 21,249 students in Philadelphia, PA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $20,761 place Temple University below the $29,286 national median for American Sign Language — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 9.8x the cost of tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for American Sign Language graduates.

The $26,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $20,761 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

With only 3 programs offering American Sign Language nationally, this is a niche field. Temple University ranks #3 among them.

31 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
27
Low End
31
Score
34
High End
Earnings $20,761/yr (-29% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (56% shielded)
Job Market Large (88,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$217K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
9.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$22,082
Out-of-state: $37,462
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
15.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for American Sign Language graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490 +1.8% 100%
Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary $77,010 -0.2% 47%
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580 -1.6% 67%
Postsecondary teachers, all other
$78,490
+1.8% growth 100% AI-proof
Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary
$77,010
-0.2% growth 47% AI-proof
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
$64,580
-1.6% growth 67% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

American Sign Language Career Guide

American Sign Language opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full American Sign Language career guide →

Compare & Explore

American Sign Language Overview

American Sign Language at Other Schools

Other Majors at Temple University

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for American Sign Language at Temple University?
This program scores 31/100 — on the lower end for American Sign Language. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is American Sign Language to AI automation?
The 44% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Temple University graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Do Temple University American Sign Language graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
At $26,000 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Temple University a good choice for American Sign Language despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Temple University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What's the job market like for American Sign Language from Temple University?
With approximately 88,500 annual openings across mapped careers, American Sign Language offers a large employment pool. Temple University graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →