Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at Idaho State University

Idaho State's Communication Disorders program shows impressive earnings growth but starts from a troublingly low base. First-year graduates earn just $21,587—below both the national median and what many retail managers make—though earnings more than double to $43,602 by year four. With $19,600 in debt, graduates face nearly their entire first year's salary in student loans, a burden that becomes particularly acute when you're barely clearing $21,000.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) warrants caution, but the pattern suggests this program likely prepares students for graduate school rather than immediate career entry. Speech-language pathology, the typical career path for this major, requires a master's degree for clinical licensure. If that's the plan, these numbers make more sense—the low initial earnings reflect stopgap employment while pursuing advanced degrees. However, for students expecting bachelor's-level career readiness, this represents a significant mismatch between investment and immediate returns.

For families considering this path, understand that you're likely looking at additional graduate school costs and delayed earnings. If your child is committed to speech pathology or audiology, factor in 2-3 more years of education and associated debt. If they're uncertain about graduate school, programs with stronger bachelor's-level outcomes would offer more flexibility and financial security.