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American Sign Language at Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,775/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (88,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #15 of 19 American Sign Language programs

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 $507K $506K $473K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.9x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 40% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$130,080
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,152
18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,564
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $33,775 track close to the $32,891 national median for American Sign Language programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 3.9x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some American Sign Language career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,000 against $33,775/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #15 ranking among 19 American Sign Language programs places Columbia College Chicago in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 44% earnings increase from $33,775 to $48,564 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Columbia College Chicago

Columbia College Chicago has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 6,294 students in Chicago, IL. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Columbia College Chicago →

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

Compare this program → View all 19 schools offering American Sign Language →

American Sign Language at Other Schools

Siena Heights University ($42,890) Valdosta State University ($37,692) Gallaudet University ($37,235) William Woods University ($36,948) Bethel University ($35,783) Troy University ($35,336) Kent State University at Kent ($33,929) University of New Mexico-Main Campus ($33,300)

Other Majors at Columbia College Chicago

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($39,794) Marketing ($36,386) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($34,798) Journalism ($31,369) Design and Applied Arts ($29,630) Graphic Communications ($26,309) Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies ($25,060) Radio, Television, and Digital Communication ($24,191)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare American Sign Language trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for American Sign Language at Columbia College Chicago?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring American Sign Language programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study American Sign Language at Columbia College Chicago?
The 44% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →