Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at Stephen F Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin's Communication Disorders program punches well above its weight. Despite the university's open-access mission and modest selectivity, this program places in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile in Texas—outperforming programs at far more selective institutions. Four years out, graduates earn $47,458, trailing only Baylor among Texas programs and beating UT Dallas by nearly $21,000. The 38% earnings growth between year one and year four suggests graduates are moving into higher-level positions in speech pathology clinics, schools, and healthcare settings.

The $20,500 median debt is exactly at the Texas average and slightly below the national median, translating to a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio. This means graduates owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary—a reasonable burden given the program's strong placement outcomes. Many graduates likely pursue master's degrees in speech-language pathology, where earnings potential increases substantially, making this undergraduate foundation even more valuable.

For families seeking a cost-effective path into communication disorders, this program delivers top-tier Texas outcomes at a regional university price point. The combination of low debt, strong earnings growth, and elite national standing makes it a standout option, particularly for students who want to stay in Texas for graduate school.