Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at Brigham Young University

BYU's Communication Disorders program starts graduates at just $21,220—below both the national median ($24,702) and Utah's median ($25,730), ranking in only the 25th percentile among Utah programs. That's roughly $9,000 less than what Utah State graduates earn in this field. The first year looks difficult financially, though graduates do carry exceptionally low debt at $11,974, thanks in part to BYU's church-subsidized tuition model.

The redeeming factor here is the 86% earnings jump by year four, pushing graduates to nearly $40,000. This suggests many graduates pursue the typical path in this field: working as speech-language pathology assistants initially, then returning for a master's degree (often required for full SLP licensure). The low debt load makes this graduate school pathway more feasible than at most institutions, where students face double the debt burden.

For families comfortable with BYU's unique environment and religious requirements, the minimal debt provides real flexibility for the nearly inevitable graduate school years ahead. However, if your child plans to work with just the bachelor's degree, understand they'll likely earn less than peers from other Utah programs, at least initially. The low debt softens this reality, but it doesn't eliminate the earnings gap.