Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at University at Buffalo

The striking 139% earnings jump between years one and four tells the real story here: most UB communication disorders graduates appear to pursue graduate work or clinical training before entering their full earning potential. That first-year figure of $24,952 likely reflects part-time work or graduate assistantships, while the four-year mark of nearly $60,000 suggests successful entry into speech-language pathology or related clinical roles. This pattern is common in fields requiring licensure or advanced certification.

With $21,944 in debt—slightly below New York's median for this program—the financial picture improves dramatically once graduates complete their training pathway. The 0.88 debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio looks concerning on paper, but becomes more reasonable when you consider that most students in this field invest another 1-2 years before hitting their stride professionally. Among New York's 29 programs, UB ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings, placing it squarely in the middle of the pack and matching the state median exactly.

The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary considerably. For families comfortable with the delayed earnings typical of healthcare professions requiring graduate work, this represents a reasonable path. The key is understanding that bachelor's-level earnings tell only half the story in a field where most practitioners need a master's degree to practice independently.