Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State's Communication Disorders program graduates earn $26,636 in their first year—slightly above both Colorado's median ($26,425) and the national average ($24,702). This places the program in the 60th percentile statewide, essentially tied with University of Northern Colorado for top in-state performance. At $18,890 in median debt, graduates carry less than typical for this field, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 that's manageable for a helping profession where graduate school is often the ultimate goal. This compares favorably to the $22,362 national median debt.

The real consideration here is what comes next. Communication disorders bachelor's programs typically serve as stepping stones to master's-level speech pathology credentials, where the real earning power lies. First-year earnings in the mid-$20,000s reflect entry positions like speech-language pathology assistant or related support roles. If your child plans to pursue a master's degree in speech pathology, Metropolitan State provides affordable preparation without burdening them with excessive debt before graduate school. The lower debt load becomes a genuine advantage when factoring in additional borrowing for a master's program.

One important caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than usual. Still, for Colorado families looking at in-state options for communication disorders, Metropolitan State delivers competitive results at what's likely a lower total cost than Boulder, making it a sensible launchpad for graduate study.