Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at Indiana University-Bloomington

Indiana University-Bloomington's communication disorders program follows a trajectory that's increasingly common in health-adjacent fields: starting well below typical bachelor's degree salaries but nearly doubling earnings by year four. That $26,496 first-year figure is modest—roughly what you'd expect from many entry-level positions—but the jump to $49,740 by year four suggests graduates are moving into clinical or specialized roles that pay considerably better. With debt under $20,000, this creates a manageable situation even during those lean early years, and by year four, the debt-to-earnings ratio looks quite reasonable.

The program performs slightly above median for both Indiana and national standards, ranking around the 60th percentile in both contexts. Among the seven Indiana schools offering this degree, IU's outcomes sit comfortably in the middle of the pack—not dramatically different from Purdue's results, and with lower debt than the state average. This isn't a program that will catapult your child ahead of peers, but it's also not leaving them behind.

For families, the key question is patience: can you support your child through a year or two of entry-level wages while they gain the experience or credentials needed for better-paying positions? If the answer is yes, and they're committed to this career path, IU's combination of reasonable debt and solid mid-term earnings makes this a workable investment, particularly compared to more expensive alternatives.