Are you interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL)?
Many people, members of the Deaf community and those who want to learn sign language, share this curiosity.
Thankfully, there are many ways to go about learning ASL. Different classes and courses are available, along with other useful learning methods.
But just how much do ASL classes cost?
The cost of ASL classes varies widely based on different factors. For instance, the provider, course level, format, and geographic location.
Prices can range from $20 per hour for private tutoring to $3,500 for comprehensive university courses.
Read on to learn more about ASL fees and prices.
How Much Does It Cost to Learn ASL?
Learning ASL can provide opportunities to communicate with the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. It also lets you build connections and improve your personal or professional growth skills.
But if you're serious about becoming a proficient ASL learner, you will have to use different resources.
Many of these resources and learning tools aren't free. In other words, you might have to invest in your ASL learning journey.
The cost of learning ASL varies depending on:
- How you choose to learn
- How proficient you want to become
- Additional resources or certifications you may pursue
There are other factors to think about, but we'll get to that later.
Let's start with different ways to learn ASL, which can influence the price. These include:
- University and college courses
- Online high school courses
- Community center courses
- In-person language schools
- Private tutoring
{{cta}}
University and College Courses
Many colleges and universities offer ASL as part of their language or communication studies programs.
These programs can cost from $500 to well over $3,500.
Costs depend on whether the course is taken for credit and if the student qualifies for in-state tuition.
The price per course ranges from $150 to $600 for in-state tuition and from $500 to $1,200 for out-of-state tuition.
You can expect to pay $500 to $3,500 for a full semester-long course (3–4 credits).
The total price depends on:
- The institution
- Your residency status
- Course type
These programs often include cultural studies about the Deaf community. They're comprehensive and suitable for learners aiming for professional or academic applications.
Some institutions may charge additional fees for materials or certification.
Online High School Courses
If you're not aiming for academic-level proficiency, you can take various online high school courses.
These courses are becoming increasingly popular for students who want to fulfill language requirements.
It's also a great way to gain exposure to the Deaf community.
The cost of online ASL courses for high school students depends on:
- The provider
- Accreditation
- Whether the course is part of a broader academic program
An online ASL high school course can cost $300 to $700.
If the course is part of an online high school diploma program, tuition may range from $1,000 to $6,000 annually.
Some courses may require textbooks, access to online resources, or software subscriptions. These expenses add another $50 to $200 to the total cost.
These courses offer the flexibility of remote learning. They also align with traditional high school curricula.
Community Center Classes
You can also take ASL classes at community centers. These classes are held at local community centers, libraries, or recreation centers.
The cost of ASL classes at community centers is generally lower than that of university or private instruction.
Tuition can range from $100 to $300 per course, depending on the institution and length.
Community centers may also offer discounts for members, residents, or students.
Most community center classes are designed for beginners. They focus on foundational ASL skills like basic vocabulary, fingerspelling, and simple conversation.
In-Person Language Schools
Another option is an in-person language school.
These schools often specialize in language instruction. They offer professional teaching methods, interactive practice, and a deeper focus on fluency.
They are ideal for learners seeking a dedicated environment to master ASL.
The cost of ASL classes at in-person language schools depends on many factors. These include the institution, class size, and level of instruction.
You can expect to pay $200 to $500 for a multi-week program. This typically covers 6 to 12 weeks of weekly classes, ideal for learning the basics of ASL.
Intensive courses cost $1,000 to $3,000. These are immersive or accelerated programs. They usually cover advanced levels or professional applications.
Language schools often offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses.
They also offer specialized options like ASL for healthcare, education, or business professionals.
Private ASL Tutoring
You also have the option to work with a private ASL tutor. But this option can be more expensive than others.
Rates are different from location to location. They typically range from $20 to $50 per hour.
Some tutors offer discounts for purchasing a set number of sessions upfront. This can bring the hourly rate down.
The price also depends on the tutor's experience. Certified interpreters or native Deaf tutors may charge at the higher end of the range.
Some tutors might offer specialized lessons. This can, for example, be ASL for the medical profession. These lessons may come with higher rates.
Private lessons are the most personalized and flexible way to learn ASL. This approach is ideal for learners who want tailored lessons or the ability to progress at their own pace.
Factors Affecting ASL Fees
Determining the exact ASL fees can be hard because it depends on so many factors. The most important ones include:
- The type of provider (universities, community centers, language schools, etc.)
- Course level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
- Course format (online, in-person)
- Instructor credentials (certified ASL interpreters, native Deaf instructors)
- Course length and intensity
- Class size
- Geographic location
- Additional costs
If you want to learn ASL fast and only know the basics, it will cost less and take up less of your time.
If you want to become proficient, be prepared to invest more time and money into your learning experience.
Geographical location is something to consider. In urban areas, classes tend to be more expensive due to higher demand and cost of living.
Taking classes in rural areas can be less expensive. But, they may have fewer options, leading some learners to rely on online alternatives.
Can You Learn ASL for Free?
Learning ASL can be quite expensive. But the good news is that you can learn ASL for free.
While free resources may not offer the depth of formal instruction, they are excellent for beginners or casual learners.
If you want to learn ASL for free, you can use:
- Online video tutorials and YouTube channels
- Free courses at universities
- Libraries and community centers
- Social media and apps
- Free online courses
- Deaf community events
- Government and non-profit organizations
Many free video tutorials are available online, providing an introduction to ASL vocabulary, grammar, and conversation.
Some universities also offer free introductory courses for ASL. For example, Gallaudet University offers free lessons from one of the leading institutions in Deaf education.
There are many online tools at your disposal as well. Some apps and social media platforms offer free ASL content.
You can also attend free Deaf community events or meetups. Doing this lets you observe and practice ASL in a natural setting.
These events are often hosted by local organizations or advocacy groups.
Some states and non-profit organizations offer free ASL classes as part of accessibility or outreach initiatives.
Check with local Deaf advocacy groups or vocational rehabilitation programs.
Learn ASL for Free with ASL Bloom
If you want to learn ASL for free, you can do so with the ASL Bloom app!
ASL Bloom is great for beginners and anyone interested in learning ASL.
You can install it for free right now. It's available on Google Play and the App Store.
With ASL Bloom, you can learn:
- New signs every day
- Basic sentence structure
- Fingerspelling and non-manual markers
- ASL grammar
- Cultural aspects of ASL
The great thing about ASL Bloom is that it lets you learn ASL at your own pace. You can practice as many lessons as you want every day, or you can just do one lesson a day.
The lessons are gamified, which makes our ASL course easy to learn. You can also practice through quizzes and flashcards.
This ensures that you not only learn ASL but also retain that knowledge over time.
ASL Bloom also comes with a premium version. While you can use ASL Bloom for free, you can also purchase the following subscriptions:
- The 1-month plan for $18.99
- The 3-month plan for $47.99
- The 1-year plan for $98.99
If you want to see what the premium version entails, you can use the 7-day free trial!
Download ASL Bloom and start signing today.
{{cta}}
.webp)
