Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at Central Michigan University

Central Michigan's Communication Disorders program shows an unusual earnings pattern that requires a closer look, though you should note the sample size is quite small. First-year graduates earn just $23,752—right at the Michigan median but below the national average. However, by year four, earnings jump to $52,249, representing a remarkable 120% increase. This trajectory makes sense for a field where many graduates pursue advanced degrees or gain licensure over time, but it means your child should be prepared for lean early years.

The debt picture is actually more favorable than it might appear. At $24,000, it sits below both the national median and the Michigan average for this major, placing CMU in the 35th percentile nationally (meaning 65% of programs leave students with more debt). Among Michigan's eight programs, CMU ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings—solidly middle-of-pack for the state. The first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.01 is tight but manageable, and it improves dramatically as earnings rise.

The real question is whether your child plans to continue into speech-language pathology graduate programs, where most career opportunities in this field actually exist. If so, this bachelor's degree is essentially a stepping stone, and the reasonable debt load makes it a workable foundation. If they're planning to stop at the bachelor's level, be aware that entry-level options will be limited and lower-paying initially, though the strong earnings growth suggests some graduates do find their footing.