Compare 122 Deaf Studies. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $46,453. Top programs: $73,256+.
The highest-earning Deaf Studies program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $57K earnings gap across 122 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. A regional public like Sonoma State (ranked #7) produces graduates earning $64K—within striking distance of Yale's $65K—while admitting over 93% of applicants.
Brandeis University leads with Deaf Studies graduates earning $73,256—well above the $46,453 average across all 122 programs. Notably, Penn State's program (#2) delivers $72,063 with a 91% admission rate, meaning accessible admissions and near-top earnings coexist. Sonoma State reinforces the point: a California public posting $64K while admitting virtually anyone who applies.
For students borrowing on their own, UC Berkeley sets the standard: $13,000 in student debt and a 4.0% payment burden—an 'Excellent' GPS rating meaning loan payments take a minimal slice of post-grad income. For families factoring in parent loans, San Francisco State leads with a 13.9% family burden, rated 'Manageable,' on $60K in graduate earnings.
Highest program earnings: $73,256
Strong outcomes ($72,063) with 91% acceptance
4.0% payment burden | Excellent
13.9% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Brandeis UniversityPrivate | $73,256 | 19 | $25,648 | Excellent | $35,451 | Manageable |
| #2 | $72,063 | 17 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,368 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $67,291 | 139 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Manageable | |
| #4 | Yale UniversityPrivate | $65,213 | 40 | $12,975 | Excellent | $29,769 | Manageable |
| #5 | $64,701 | 16 | $26,000 | Good | $58,410 | High | |
| #6 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $64,152 | 31 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Challenging |
| #7 | Sonoma State UniversityPublic | $64,116 | 47 | $16,705 | Excellent | $27,986 | Manageable |
| #8 | American UniversityPrivate | $63,553 | 9 | $22,750 | Excellent | $39,169 | Challenging |
| #9 | $63,426 | 31 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Challenging | |
| #10 | University Of DelawarePublic | $61,443 | 31 | $24,572 | Good | $43,000 | High |
| #11 | $59,990 | 117 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Manageable | |
| #12 | Mount Holyoke CollegePrivate | $59,843 | 9 | $22,902 | Good | $31,129 | Challenging |
| #13 | $59,567 | 17 | $26,814 | Good | $36,545 | High | |
| #14 | $59,461 | 8 | $19,000 | Excellent | $35,200 | Challenging | |
| #15 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $59,372 | 16 | $15,000 | Excellent | $26,966 | Manageable |
| #16 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $59,016 | 11 | $23,168 | Good | $41,563 | High |
| #17 | $59,004 | 90 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Manageable | |
| #18 | Emory UniversityPrivate | $58,745 | 26 | $18,250 | Excellent | $30,480 | Challenging |
| #19 | $58,670 | 167 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Manageable | |
| #20 | $57,646 | 30 | $17,500 | Excellent | $28,903 | Challenging | |
| #21 | $57,534 | 69 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Manageable | |
| #22 | $57,292 | 35 | $20,500 | Good | $26,632 | Challenging | |
| #23 | $57,145 | 32 | $16,544 | Excellent | $15,738 | Manageable | |
| #24 | Cuny Lehman CollegePublic | $56,907 | 18 | $10,950 | Excellent | $11,955 | Good |
| #25 | $56,880 | 8 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,968 | Challenging |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
