Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at Wayne State University

Wayne State's Communication Disorders program looks stronger than it might initially appear, particularly if your child plans to stay in Michigan. While the $24,474 first-year salary seems modest, this program outperforms 60% of similar programs statewide—beating recognizable competitors like Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan. The debt load of $24,849 is actually below both the national and state medians for this field, giving graduates meaningful breathing room early in their careers.

The real story here is the trajectory. Earnings more than double by year four to $49,131, which is exceptional growth for any bachelor's program. This pattern makes sense for communication disorders, where many graduates pursue additional licensure or certifications that unlock higher-paying clinical roles. The relatively low debt means students aren't drowning financially while they build toward those better-paying positions. With 43% of Wayne State students receiving Pell grants, this program appears to serve as an accessible pathway into a stable healthcare-adjacent field.

The caveat: we're working with a small sample size here, so individual outcomes will vary more than with larger cohorts. If your child is serious about speech-language pathology or audiology, understand this is typically a field requiring graduate education for the highest-earning roles. For families watching costs closely and looking for solid in-state options with manageable debt, Wayne State delivers a reasonable foundation—just recognize the bachelor's degree may be step one of a longer educational journey.