Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at Purdue University-Main Campus

The standout feature here is the remarkable earnings trajectory: graduates jump from $24,949 to $55,867 in just four years, more than doubling their income. That's $10,000 above the national median for this field by year four, suggesting Purdue's program effectively prepares students for graduate school or specialized certification—the typical path for speech-language pathology careers.

The initial earnings lag slightly behind Indiana's median, placing this in the 40th percentile statewide (with IU-Bloomington graduates starting about $1,500 higher). But this starting difference matters less than it might seem: many graduates pursue master's degrees immediately, working part-time or in assistant roles before full licensure. The debt load of $19,500 is manageable at 0.78 times first-year earnings, and lower than both national and state medians. At a selective institution like Purdue (50% admission rate, 1342 average SAT), that's a reasonable price for strong credential value.

The caveat matters here: with under 30 graduates in the sample, one or two outcomes could skew these numbers significantly. Still, the pattern aligns with what you'd expect from a reputable program in a field where advanced degrees unlock substantially higher pay. If your student is committed to graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology, this provides solid preparation at below-average cost. The low initial salary shouldn't deter you—it's standard for this career path.