2026 ROI Award Winner
Median Earnings (1yr)
$26,817
64th percentile
60th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$14,250
36% below national median

Analysis

Brooklyn College's Communication Disorders program shows a remarkable transformation: graduates earning just $26,817 in year one jump to $71,855 by year four—a 168% increase that towers over typical outcomes for this field. This trajectory suggests many graduates pursue speech-language pathology graduate programs (often required for full licensure) and see substantial returns once credentialed. While that first-year number ranks solidly in the 60th percentile among New York programs, the debt load of $14,250 is exceptionally low—among the lightest 5% nationally for this major—making the initial lean period far more manageable than at programs where graduates owe $22,000 or more.

The real story here is value compression: Brooklyn College delivers middle-of-the-pack New York earnings while charging roughly half the typical debt burden. For families weighing options like Lehman College (higher initial earnings but likely steeper costs) or private alternatives, this cost advantage matters enormously during graduate school years when many students take on additional loans. The 56% Pell grant population suggests the college serves students who especially need that debt cushion.

If your child is serious about becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist and plans for graduate school, Brooklyn College offers a financially sensible launching pad. The low debt keeps options open during those critical next training years, and the four-year earnings data confirms graduates who continue their education see strong returns.

Where CUNY Brooklyn College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all communication disorders sciences and services bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How CUNY Brooklyn College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
CUNY Brooklyn College$26,817$71,855+168%
St. John's University-New York$19,067$61,347+222%
CUNY Queens College$23,108$60,508+162%
University at Buffalo$24,952$59,663+139%
CUNY Lehman College$36,241$53,707+48%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Communication Disorders Sciences and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (29 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
CUNY Brooklyn CollegeBrooklyn$7,452$26,817$71,855$14,2500.53
CUNY Lehman CollegeBronx$7,410$36,241$53,707$11,5440.32
State University of New York at New PaltzNew Paltz$8,524$25,475$49,572$24,9800.98
University at BuffaloBuffalo$10,782$24,952$59,663$21,9440.88
State University of New York at PlattsburghPlattsburgh$8,881$24,536$49,846$25,5001.04
CUNY Queens CollegeQueens$7,538$23,108$60,508$8,5000.37
National Median$24,702$22,3620.91

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication disorders sciences and services graduates

Speech-Language Pathologists

Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

$95,410/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Audiologists

Assess and treat persons with hearing and related disorders. May fit hearing aids and provide auditory training. May perform research related to hearing problems.

$92,120/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At CUNY Brooklyn College, approximately 56% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 37 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.