Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at University of Oregon

University of Oregon's Communication Disorders program underperforms both the state median ($28,688) and its in-state competitor by a significant margin. While graduates see impressive earnings growth—from under $22,000 to over $51,000 between years one and four—that first year is rough, with earnings landing in just the 25th percentile among Oregon programs. Portland State graduates earn 63% more right out of the gate.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $19,500, borrowers owe slightly less than typical graduates in this field. That manageable debt load, combined with the strong earnings trajectory, suggests graduates can weather the lean early years. By year four, the earnings gap with peers has likely narrowed considerably, though we lack direct comparison data for that timeframe. The catch is that small sample size (under 30 graduates)—these numbers could shift substantially with more data.

For families, this program requires honest discussion about financial support during that first year post-graduation, when earnings may not cover basic living expenses in Eugene. If your child needs to start earning immediately or will be servicing loans right away, this program's delayed payoff becomes a real challenge. If you can provide runway for graduate school or credential-building—common paths in speech-language pathology—the long-term picture improves substantially.