Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at San Francisco State University

San Francisco State's Communication Disorders program starts slow but delivers exactly what matters most for this field: strong clinical placement outcomes. That first-year figure of $27,296 reflects the reality that many graduates work as aides or assistants while pursuing graduate school—which most will need for licensure as speech-language pathologists. By year four, median earnings jump to $55,866, more than double the starting salary and well above both state and national medians.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $19,250, particularly given where graduates land financially within a few years. While that's slightly above California's median for this program, the 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable payments even in the awkward first year. Among California's 18 programs, this one ranks solidly in the 60th percentile—respectable but not exceptional. The top-ranked California Baptist and CSU-East Bay command higher starting salaries, though they likely benefit from different regional job markets and employer networks.

The numbers here work if your child plans to continue to graduate school (the typical path in this field) or enters directly into clinical settings with growth potential. The dramatic earnings jump from year one to four suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into better roles, whether that's through additional credentials or accumulated clinical experience. For a program serving 41% Pell students at a 96% admission rate, these outcomes represent genuine mobility.