Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at University of Houston

University of Houston's Communication Disorders program shows exactly the earnings trajectory parents hope to see: graduates start at $30,395 but reach nearly $48,000 by year four—a 57% jump that reflects the field's strong career ladder. While the first-year number lands this program in the 82nd percentile nationally, it sits closer to the middle (60th percentile) among Texas programs. That gap matters because schools like Baylor and Stephen F. Austin start their graduates $8,000-$10,000 higher right out of the gate, though those advantages likely narrow as UH grads gain experience and certification.

The $20,250 debt load is actually slightly below the Texas median for this major, making the financial equation work better than the raw earnings numbers might suggest. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 means manageable payments even during that lower-earning first year, and by year four, graduates are earning more than twice their debt. For families choosing UH over pricier alternatives, this represents solid value—particularly for students planning to pursue graduate degrees in speech-language pathology, where the undergraduate institution matters less than program completion and prerequisites.

The moderate sample size suggests reliable data, and UH's 41% Pell Grant population indicates this pathway works for students without family wealth to fall back on. This program won't maximize immediate earnings, but it provides affordable entry into a stable field with clear advancement potential.