Compare 26 Deaf Studies. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $35,895.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Deaf Studies tells a different story. Across 26 programs, earnings range from $30,046 to $50,359—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Grinnell College's Deaf Studies program leads with graduates earning $50,359, well above the $35,895 average. The University of Wisconsin-Madison follows at $45,721, while Michigan delivers $45,213. This spread demonstrates how program-specific factors drive outcomes more than institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Grinnell graduates borrow $17,500 and face just an 8.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, graduates can clear their student loans with about four months of salary.
Highest program earnings: $50,359
Strong outcomes with 91% acceptance
8.6% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
25.8% family burden | High burden - payment over 25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Grinnell CollegePrivate | $50,359 | 14 | $17,500 | Good | $36,324 | High |
| #2 | $45,721 | 48 | $20,484 | Manageable | $28,364 | High | |
| #3 | $45,213 | 57 | $19,500 | Good | $30,250 | High | |
| #4 | $42,174 | 18 | $21,106 | Manageable | $13,695 | High | |
| #5 | $42,088 | 28 | $23,000 | Manageable | $16,149 | High | |
| #6 | $41,926 | 7 | $22,024 | Manageable | $22,127 | High | |
| #7 | $41,084 | 21 | $19,509 | Manageable | $32,850 | High | |
| #8 | $41,050 | 31 | $19,500 | Manageable | $25,729 | High | |
| #9 | $41,029 | 40 | $19,976 | Manageable | $25,868 | High | |
| #10 | $40,871 | 16 | $24,500 | Challenging | $26,392 | High | |
| #11 | St Olaf CollegePrivate | $40,807 | 29 | $26,000 | Challenging | $40,568 | High |
| #12 | $40,764 | 6 | $20,909 | Manageable | $12,452 | High | |
| #13 | Denison UniversityPrivate | $40,086 | 6 | $26,000 | Challenging | $45,521 | High |
| #14 | $35,858 | 12 | $25,000 | High | $16,878 | High | |
| #15 | $35,261 | 38 | $16,704 | Challenging | $24,323 | High | |
| #16 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $35,060 | 18 | $19,000 | Challenging | $40,731 | High |
| #17 | Saint Louis UniversityPrivate | $35,060 | 10 | $25,000 | High | $34,177 | High |
| #18 | $32,856 | 29 | $19,500 | High | $34,511 | High | |
| #19 | Columbia College ChicagoPrivate | $31,527 | 8 | $25,000 | High | $55,700 | High |
| #20 | $30,046 | 15 | $21,000 | High | $25,798 | High | |
| #21 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $29,685 | 13 | $15,000 | High | $26,966 | High |
| #22 | $29,685 | 15 | $26,188 | High | $22,488 | High | |
| #23 | University Of IowaPublic | $25,194 | 17 | $22,500 | High | $27,975 | High |
| #24 | Beloit CollegePrivate | $25,194 | 11 | $25,738 | High | $32,004 | High |
| #25 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $18,029 | 11 | $23,168 | High | $41,563 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
