Best ASL Colleges

The number of colleges and universities offering degrees in ASL interpreting has grown to meet the need for interpreters. It is possible to work in a variety of areas, including the social welfare, medical, education, business, government, and legal fields, with a sign language interpreter degree. Colleges offer both 2-year and 4-year degrees in the field.

The Benefits of Studying ASL

Students reap many benefits from studying American Sign Language. They do not necessarily need to pursue a career in interpretation or with the deaf community. See below for benefits of learning ASL.

Gain Valuable SkillsKnowing ASL can help students in many career fields. Professionals in customer service, banking, and public health must know how to communicate with partially deaf or fully deaf people.
Growing Career FieldThe World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 10 people will experience disabling hearing loss by 2050. ASL interpreters can help address this issue.
Language Spoken by ManyStudents who are proficient in ASL can communicate with new groups. ASL is widely used across North America, allowing individuals to interact with more people.
New Form of ExpressionASL differs from spoken and written English. This difference gives learners a new way to express themselves. Studying American Sign Language also helps learners improve their cognitive abilities and attention spans.

10 Schools with ASL Interpreter Programs

Listed below are some of the best colleges and universities with ASL interpreting programs.

College/University	Location	Institution Type	Degrees Offered	Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2019-2020)*
Rochester Institute of Technology	Rochester, NY	4-year, Private not-for-profit	Bachelor’s	$45,890
Western Oregon University	Monmouth, OR	4-year, Public	Bachelor’s, Master’s	$9,768 (residents), $27,678 (nonresidents)
Bethel University – Indiana	Mishawaka, IN	4-year, Private not-for-profit	Bachelor’s	$29,170
Gallaudet University	Washington, DC	4-year, Private not-for-profit	Bachelor’s, Master’s	$17,038
Indiana University – Purdue University – Indianapolis	Indianapolis, IN	4-year, Public	Bachelor’s	$9,701 (residents), $30,710 (nonresidents)
St. Catherine University	Saint Paul, MN	4-year, Private not-for-profit	Bachelor’s	$40,984
San Antonio College	San Antonio, TX	2-year, Public	Associate’s	$6,690 (residents), $14,220 (nonresidents)
MacMurray College	Jacksonville, IL	4-year, Private not-for-profit	Associate’s, Bachelor’s	$28,540
Sinclair Community College	Dayton, OH	2-year, Public	Associate’s	$4,089 (residents), $7,356 (nonresidents)
Delgado Community College	New Orleans, LA	2-year, Public	Associate’s	$4,079 (residents), $8,368 (nonresidents)

Sign Language Interpreter School Selection Criteria

Interested candidates may want to consider the following criteria when considering different colleges with ASL interpreting programs.

Many programs have entrance requirements that may include prior ASL knowledge, previous interaction with the deaf and hearing-impaired community, and a screening exam.
Students wishing to become well-rounded interpreters should consider whether a program’s core curriculum includes general education topics like sociology, education, or philosophy.
Look for schools that offer internships within the deaf and hearing-impaired community prior to graduation.
Some schools require certification for graduation. Administering certification organizations include the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf.

Associate’s Degree in ASL Interpreting

Associate’s degrees earned on-campus allow students to interact with non-hearing teachers, students, and the general public. Many sign language interpreter colleges require knowledge of ASL before accepting students into their programs. Some schools partner with other universities, designing their programs to help students pursue further study in the field.

Bachelor’s Degree in ASL Interpreting

A bachelor’s degree program in ASL interpreting offers students more opportunities to work one-on-one with the deaf and hearing impaired. An internship is a requirement of most programs. Typical core classes in ASL Interpreting include numerous classes in ASL and interpreting,

There are numerous colleges that offer ASL interpreting degrees, either as an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. Students can consider such factors as program cost, internship availability, and certification requirements when choosing a school.

Which Colleges Offer ASL Degrees and Certificates?

Many schools offer ASL degrees and certificates. See below for some options:

Certificate Programs

Associate Programs

Bachelor’s Programs

American Sign Language Scholarships

ASL majors can explore scholarships to help pay for their degree. See below for scholarships open to learners studying American Sign Language, deaf studies, or deaf education. Deadlines and award amounts vary. Students should check scholarships’ websites for current information.

SCHOLARSHIP	AMOUNT	WHO CAN APPLY
American Sign Language Teachers Association	$1,000-$3,000	Enrollees in a deaf studies, ASL, deaf education, or interpreter preparation program can apply. Applicants must attend a college with an active chapter of the American Sign Language Teachers Association.
The American Sign Language Project, NFP	$6,000	Full-time undergraduate and graduate students who propose a project on noninvasive technology for deaf/hearing communication can apply. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA and must be permanent U.S. residents.
Michael Fryzlewicz Scholarship	Up to $3,000	Full-time students at Columbia College Chicago can apply. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA and must submit FAFSA results.
Gerald “Bummy” Burstein Scholarship	At least $500	Hearing or deaf students who are members of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf can apply. Applicants submit two recommendation letters. They also submit an essay explaining their current work in the interpretation field and future goals.
Preston Bass Interpreter Scholarship	Varies	Students with one or more deaf parents who are currently enrolled in an interpreting program can apply. Applicants need a 3.5 GPA.

The Benefits of Studying ASL

10 Schools with ASL Interpreter Programs