Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at University of Rhode Island

University of Rhode Island's Communication Disorders program stands out nationally, with graduates earning $34,633 in their first year—ranking in the 95th percentile among similar programs nationwide. That's 40% higher than the national median of $24,702. The real story emerges by year four, when earnings jump to $57,444, representing 66% growth. This trajectory makes sense for a field where many graduates pursue graduate degrees to become speech-language pathologists, meaning these bachelor's-level numbers likely capture those working as assistants or paraprofessionals before advancing their credentials.

The debt picture is reasonable: $23,250 leaves graduates with a manageable 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio, slightly above the national median but well within workable territory. Rhode Island only has two schools offering this program, so there's limited state-level competition for comparison, but URI's outcomes mirror the state median exactly. The strong national ranking suggests URI is preparing students well for a competitive field, even at the bachelor's level.

The significant caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances can heavily influence these numbers. However, the earnings growth pattern and strong national standing suggest this program delivers solid preparation for either immediate employment or graduate school—both common paths in communication disorders. For families comfortable with the small sample limitation, the combination of reasonable debt and strong earning potential makes this a defensible choice.