Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Texas Tech's Communication Disorders program sits right at the state median for earnings ($27,008), but trails significantly behind top Texas programs like Baylor ($38,174) and Stephen F Austin ($34,509). The small sample size here means these numbers could shift with more data, but the 60th percentile state ranking suggests this is a middle-of-the-pack option within Texas. The debt level of $21,500 is modest and aligns closely with both state and national benchmarks.
The trajectory is what matters most for this field: earnings nearly double from year one to year four, jumping to $52,064. This dramatic growth reflects the reality that many Communication Disorders graduates pursue master's degrees to become speech-language pathologists, where salaries rise substantially. If your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level, that first-year salary of $27,008 is challenging. But if graduate school is the plan—as it is for most in this field—this program appears to position students reasonably well while keeping undergraduate debt manageable.
For families considering this path, understand you're likely funding the first stage of a longer educational journey. The modest debt load is actually an advantage here, since it leaves more borrowing capacity for graduate school. Just know that compared to other Texas programs, this isn't the strongest launching point—though it's far from the weakest.
Where Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication disorders sciences and services bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center graduates compare to all programs nationally
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center graduates earn $27k, placing them in the 65th percentile of all communication disorders sciences and services bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (20 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | $27,008 | $52,064 | $21,500 | 0.80 |
| Baylor University | $38,174 | $57,805 | $21,000 | 0.55 |
| Stephen F Austin State University | $34,509 | $47,458 | $20,500 | 0.59 |
| University of Houston | $30,395 | $47,703 | $20,250 | 0.67 |
| University of North Texas | $28,337 | $51,985 | $20,500 | 0.72 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | $26,577 | $46,494 | $19,250 | 0.72 |
| National Median | $24,702 | — | $22,362 | 0.91 |
Other Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University Waco | $54,844 | $38,174 | $21,000 |
| Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches | $10,600 | $34,509 | $20,500 |
| University of Houston Houston | $9,711 | $30,395 | $20,250 |
| University of North Texas Denton | $11,164 | $28,337 | $20,500 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson | $14,564 | $26,577 | $19,250 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, approximately 14% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 71 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.