Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at San Diego State University

San Diego State's Communication Disorders program follows an unusual trajectory that parents need to understand: graduates start well below both the state median ($24,594) and national average ($24,702), earning just $22,378 in their first year. However, by year four, earnings surge to $62,478—more than double California's median and representing one of the strongest growth rates we've seen in this field. This suggests the program may be preparing students for advanced roles or graduate school that take time to materialize.

The $15,000 median debt is notably low—among the lowest 5% nationally for this major and well below California's $18,006 median. Combined with the strong four-year earnings, this creates an attractive long-term value proposition despite the rocky start. That first year can be financially challenging (and ranks only in the 40th percentile statewide), but the debt burden won't compound the problem.

The key question is whether your student can weather that initial period of low earnings. If they're planning to pursue graduate school in speech-language pathology or audiology—which many in this field do—that first-year figure may not matter much anyway. For families who need immediate post-graduation income, this pattern could be difficult. But for those taking the long view, the combination of minimal debt and strong four-year earnings suggests this program delivers solid value once graduates establish themselves in the field.