Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at The University of Texas at Dallas

UT Dallas graduates in Communication Disorders start at modest salaries—$26,577 in year one—but their earnings nearly double by year four, reaching $46,494. That 75% growth trajectory is exceptional and suggests these graduates are moving into clinical roles or graduate programs that significantly boost their earning potential. The modest debt load of $19,250 is manageable against first-year earnings, and becomes increasingly comfortable as salaries rise.

The program performs solidly against national benchmarks (62nd percentile), though it falls slightly below the Texas median. For context, this field typically requires graduate training for full professional licensure as a speech-language pathologist, which explains both the lower starting salary and the strong earnings growth as graduates progress toward advanced degrees and clinical positions. Compared to top Texas programs like Baylor ($38,174) or Stephen F. Austin ($34,509), UT Dallas shows a different earnings pattern—lower initial placement but strong momentum.

For families, the key consideration is whether their student plans to pursue graduate school in speech-language pathology or audiology. If so, the combination of below-average debt and strong earnings growth makes this a reasonable launching point. The program sets up graduates for professional advancement without burdening them with excessive undergraduate debt—useful when graduate school is the next step.