Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at University of Northern Colorado

University of Northern Colorado's Communication Disorders program sits right in the middle of the pack—earning slightly more than the national median but comparable to Colorado's other options. With first-year earnings of $26,425 and debt under $21,000, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in less than a year if they devoted their entire salary to it (though obviously no one does that). The 49% earnings jump by year four, reaching nearly $40,000, suggests career progression for those who stick with the field.

The real question for your family is whether these numbers work for someone still building their career. That $26,425 starting salary translates to roughly $2,200 per month before taxes—tight if your child plans to live independently right after graduation. Among Colorado's three programs in this field, UNC performs nearly identically to Metro State Denver, which might make in-state tuition differences worth checking. The program's 60th percentile state ranking means it's average for Colorado, neither standout nor problematic.

The small sample size here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates reporting, a few exceptional earners or career changers could skew these numbers either way. If your child is genuinely passionate about speech pathology and plans to pursue a master's (which most practitioners need), this bachelor's provides a stepping stone at a reasonable debt level. Just ensure they understand the initial financial reality of starting under $27,000.