Median Earnings (1yr)
$27,008
65th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$21,500
4% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center$27,008$52,064+93%
Baylor University$38,174$57,805+51%
The University of Texas at Austin$22,286$53,486+140%
University of North Texas$28,337$51,985+83%
Texas A&M University-Kingsville$22,853$48,303+111%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Communication Disorders Sciences and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (20 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock—$27,008$52,064$21,5000.80
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$38,174$57,805$21,0000.55
Stephen F Austin State UniversityNacogdoches$10,600$34,509$47,458$20,5000.59
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$30,395$47,703$20,2500.67
University of North TexasDenton$11,164$28,337$51,985$20,5000.72
The University of Texas at DallasRichardson$14,564$26,577$46,494$19,2500.72
National Median—$24,702—$22,3620.91

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication disorders sciences and services graduates

Speech-Language Pathologists

Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

$95,410/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Audiologists

Assess and treat persons with hearing and related disorders. May fit hearing aids and provide auditory training. May perform research related to hearing problems.

$92,120/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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.