Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at California State University-Fresno

Fresno State's Communication Disorders program starts below both state and national medians—$22,463 versus around $24,600 elsewhere—but the trajectory tells a different story. By year four, graduates earn $45,525, more than doubling their starting salary and surpassing the typical outcomes for this degree. That 103% growth rate is unusual for this field and suggests graduates are successfully moving into speech-language pathology roles or related clinical positions that value the bachelor's as a stepping stone.

The catch is that first year. At 40th percentile within California, this program lags behind similar offerings at Long Beach, Chico, and East Bay, where graduates start $6,000-$12,000 higher. The $17,336 in debt is manageable—lower than the national average—but it still creates a tight first year when earnings barely exceed $22,000. Most students at Fresno State come from families receiving Pell grants, so that initial financial squeeze matters more here than at wealthier campuses.

For families planning ahead, this program works if your child intends to pursue graduate training in speech-language pathology, where the bachelor's degree is just the foundation. The low debt and strong earnings growth by year four suggest the degree opens doors without creating crushing financial pressure. But if your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level, other CSU campuses deliver better immediate outcomes.