Compare 38 Deaf Studies. programs in the West. Average earnings: $40,153.
Deaf Studies programs produce graduates earning between $41,617 and $55,804—a $14K spread that demonstrates program-specific outcomes matter more than school prestige. Across 38 ranked programs in the West, earnings variation tracks program quality rather than institutional reputation.
At the top, University of Hawaii at Hilo produces Deaf Studies graduates earning $55,804, followed closely by UC Berkeley at $54,840. The average across all programs is $40,153, yet both a regional public and a selective UC program significantly outperform this benchmark—proof that program excellence exists across different institution types.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UC Berkeley graduates borrow $13,000 and face just a 5.5% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Hawaii at Hilo offers the best family value with an 18.3% burden when parent loans are included, showing that the smartest choice depends on your funding strategy.
Highest program earnings: $55,804
Strong outcomes with 90% acceptance
5.5% payment burden | Excellent
18.3% family burden | Challenging
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $55,804 | 19 | $20,500 | Good | $20,688 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $54,840 | 118 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $54,012 | 13 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Challenging | |
| #4 | Sonoma State UniversityPublic | $52,579 | 44 | $16,705 | Excellent | $27,986 | Challenging |
| #5 | $51,490 | 343 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Challenging | |
| #6 | $49,977 | 165 | $16,666 | Good | $28,682 | Challenging | |
| #7 | $49,933 | 72 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Challenging | |
| #8 | $48,260 | 108 | $15,371 | Good | $19,732 | Challenging | |
| #9 | $47,820 | 45 | $15,500 | Good | $24,257 | Challenging | |
| #10 | $47,511 | 32 | $16,544 | Good | $15,738 | Challenging | |
| #11 | $46,911 | 177 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Challenging | |
| #12 | $46,808 | 118 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | High | |
| #13 | $46,728 | 14 | $20,500 | Good | $21,716 | High | |
| #14 | $45,701 | 38 | $13,750 | Good | $16,538 | Challenging | |
| #15 | $45,590 | 101 | $15,000 | Good | $16,507 | Challenging | |
| #16 | $44,497 | 54 | $17,500 | Good | $18,275 | Challenging | |
| #17 | $44,473 | 21 | $16,000 | Good | $15,000 | Challenging | |
| #18 | $43,896 | 43 | $15,000 | Good | $22,665 | High | |
| #19 | $43,723 | 28 | $18,450 | Good | $13,000 | Challenging | |
| #20 | $41,617 | 23 | $19,500 | Manageable | $23,519 | High | |
| #21 | $40,003 | 92 | $14,289 | Good | $15,177 | Challenging | |
| #22 | $39,164 | 22 | $20,500 | Manageable | $18,859 | High | |
| #23 | $39,004 | 260 | $13,872 | Good | $13,522 | Challenging | |
| #24 | $38,289 | 61 | $19,500 | Manageable | $46,340 | High | |
| #25 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $38,073 | 31 | $19,620 | Manageable | $30,126 | 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 →
