Median Earnings (1yr)
$27,008
65th percentile (60th in TX)
Median Debt
$21,500
4% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.80
Manageable
Sample Size
23
Limited data

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

Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterOther communication disorders sciences and services programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center$27,008$52,064$21,5000.80
Baylor University$38,174$57,805$21,0000.55
Stephen F Austin State University$34,509$47,458$20,5000.59
University of Houston$30,395$47,703$20,2500.67
University of North Texas$28,337$51,985$20,5000.72
The University of Texas at Dallas$26,577$46,494$19,2500.72
National Median$24,702—$22,3620.91

Other Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.