Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at University of Colorado Boulder

This program follows a classic pattern for speech-language pathology preparatory degrees: tight finances immediately after graduation, followed by strong growth once graduates pursue their master's degrees and enter the profession. That earnings trajectory—from $24,628 to nearly $50,000 in four years—mirrors the typical path through graduate school and into clinical work.

The concerning element here is that CU Boulder underperforms within Colorado despite its brand name. With earnings at the 40th percentile statewide, graduates trail both Metropolitan State ($26,636) and University of Northern Colorado ($26,425) right out of the gate. That matters because early earnings often determine whether students can manage their debt while pursuing graduate education. The $19,000 debt load is manageable compared to the national median of $22,362, but it's not particularly advantageous given the lower starting salaries.

If your child is committed to speech-language pathology and plans to pursue a master's degree, this program works—the four-year earnings prove that graduates complete the credential sequence successfully. But you're paying flagship tuition for outcomes that match or trail Colorado's less expensive alternatives. Unless campus experience or research opportunities justify the premium, Metropolitan State delivers better value for students on this career path.