Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

UMass Amherst's Communication Disorders program demonstrates exceptional earnings growth that ultimately positions graduates well above national peers, though the journey starts slow. That first-year median of $30,693 is actually solid—ranking in the 83rd percentile nationally—but within Massachusetts, it barely reaches the state median. The real story emerges by year four, when earnings jump 80% to $55,230, reflecting graduates moving into specialized speech-language pathology assistant roles or gaining admission to graduate programs with higher-paying clinical positions.

The debt picture is reasonable at $23,250, slightly below the state median and translating to less than one year's first-year salary. This matters because most students in this field pursue master's degrees to become licensed speech-language pathologists, so minimizing undergraduate debt preserves borrowing capacity for graduate school. Within the broader UMass context—a flagship state university with strong academics—this program offers solid preparation without excessive financial burden.

The catch: these numbers represent fewer than 30 graduates, so your child's outcome could vary significantly. If they're serious about speech pathology and plan for graduate school, this program provides a strong foundation at a manageable cost. The earnings trajectory suggests graduates are successfully launching careers, even if Massachusetts' competitive healthcare market means they're not leading the state pack initially.