Compare 37 Korean Language and Literature. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $45,050. Top programs: $77,224+.
The highest-earning Korean Language and Literature program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $61K earnings gap across 37 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. A public university in Rhode Island outperforms household names—evidence that evaluating programs on their own merits beats deferring to school reputation.
Topping the list, the University of Rhode Island's Korean Language and Literature program delivers $77,224 in median earnings—well above the $45,050 average across all 37 programs. UC Berkeley ranks second at $72,540, while USC comes in third at $64,421. URI's lead over better-known institutions is the clearest argument for evaluating programs, not pedigrees. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
For students borrowing on their own, UC Davis offers the strongest debt position: just $13,000 in student loans and a 4.6% payment burden—firmly in the 'Excellent' category. For families factoring in parent loans, San Francisco State leads with a 13.4% combined burden on $35,103 in total debt, rated 'Manageable.' The best financial fit depends on who's carrying the load.
Highest program earnings: $77,224
Strong outcomes ($77,224) with 72% acceptance
4.6% payment burden | Excellent
13.4% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $77,224 | 15 | $22,250 | Excellent | $28,000 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $72,540 | 15 | — | — | — | — | |
| #3 | $64,421 | 19 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $61,603 | 29 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $60,939 | 40 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $58,695 | 25 | — | — | — | — | |
| #7 | $58,063 | 17 | $19,000 | Excellent | $35,200 | Challenging | |
| #8 | North Central CollegePrivate | $57,424 | 9 | $24,500 | Good | $30,000 | Challenging |
| #9 | $55,898 | 35 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Challenging | |
| #10 | University Of Puget SoundPrivate | $53,792 | 16 | $25,000 | Good | $52,058 | High |
| #11 | Cuny Hunter CollegePublic | $53,509 | 37 | $11,000 | Excellent | $20,252 | Manageable |
| #12 | University Of OregonPublic | $53,064 | 27 | $20,139 | Good | $44,405 | High |
| #13 | $52,496 | 11 | $23,250 | Good | $37,401 | High | |
| #14 | $51,826 | 54 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Challenging | |
| #15 | $50,989 | 36 | $19,509 | Good | $32,850 | High | |
| #16 | $47,331 | 26 | $19,500 | Good | $23,519 | High | |
| #17 | $46,563 | 89 | $18,500 | Good | $30,988 | High | |
| #18 | $46,527 | 52 | $19,976 | Good | $25,868 | High | |
| #19 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $45,715 | 18 | — | — | — | — |
| #20 | $44,878 | 32 | $21,500 | Manageable | $19,809 | High | |
| #21 | Florida State UniversityPublic | $44,502 | 16 | $18,000 | Good | $17,000 | Challenging |
| #22 | Ball State UniversityPublic | $44,208 | 15 | $23,250 | Manageable | $20,800 | High |
| #23 | $43,210 | 15 | $22,095 | Manageable | $18,310 | High | |
| #24 | $42,682 | 32 | — | — | — | — | |
| #25 | $42,569 | 33 | $19,500 | Manageable | $25,729 | 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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
