Best colleges for Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Communication Disorders Sciences and Services by graduate earnings are Nevada State University ($47,833), California Baptist University ($38,559) and Baylor University ($38,174), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Nevada State University (Henderson, NV): $47,833, 50 graduates a year
- California Baptist University (Riverside, CA): $38,559, 66 graduates a year
- Baylor University (Waco, TX): $38,174, 337 graduates a year
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion (Tempe, AZ): $37,074, 153 graduates a year
- CUNY Lehman College (Bronx, NY): $36,241, 111 graduates a year
Compare 380 U.S. colleges offering Communication Disorders Sciences and Services by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 51 states.
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $24,952 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 51.02 and the Speech-Language Pathologists occupation (BLS SOC).
About Communication Disorders Sciences and Services programs
The Communication Disorders Sciences and Services program focuses on understanding and addressing various communication disorders, including speech, language, and hearing issues. This program is ideal for students interested in helping individuals improve their communication abilities and overall quality of life through assessment and treatment strategies. Students in this program will explore a range of specializations, including Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing graduates to work effectively in healthcare settings and support individuals with communication challenges.
Learn more about Communication Disorders Sciences and Services →
Core skills and knowledge in this program include critical thinking, active listening, and understanding of English language and psychology. Coursework typically covers evaluation techniques, treatment planning, and documentation practices essential for diagnosing and managing communication disorders.
Top 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevada State University Henderson, NV Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,833 | 50 | 34% | — | $25,909 |
| 2 | California Baptist University Riverside, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $38,559 | 66 | 62% | $26,940 | $26,375 |
| 3 | Baylor University Waco, TX Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $38,174 | 337 | 80% | $35,682 | $21,000 |
| 4 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $37,074 | 153 | 68% | — | $20,536 |
| 5 | CUNY Lehman College Bronx, NY Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,241 | 111 | 51% | — | $11,544 |
| 6 | Portland State University Portland, OR Public · Bachelor's degree | $35,615 | 103 | 53% | — | $23,907 |
| 7 | California State University - East Bay Hayward, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $34,924 | 68 | 48% | — | $18,261 |
| 8 | University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI Public · Bachelor's degree | $34,633 | 91 | 73% | — | $23,250 |
| 9 | Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $34,509 | 81 | 53% | — | $20,500 |
| 10 | Worcester State University Worcester, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $34,142 | 44 | 61% | — | $21,910 |
| 11 | Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $34,136 | 52 | 49% | — | $22,500 |
| 12 | College of Our Lady of the Elms Chicopee, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $31,890 | 34 | 68% | $21,982 | $27,000 |
| 13 | University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,105 | 93 | 89% | — | $21,500 |
| 14 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MO Public · Bachelor's degree | $30,971 | 101 | 58% | — | $21,500 |
| 15 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $30,693 | 116 | 83% | — | $23,250 |
| 16 | University of Houston Houston, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $30,395 | 129 | 65% | — | $20,250 |
| 17 | Utah State University Logan, UT Public · Bachelor's degree | $30,239 | 243 | 59% | — | $17,479 |
| 18 | University of Maine Orono, ME Public · Bachelor's degree | $30,231 | 30 | 55% | — | $27,000 |
| 19 | University of Kansas Lawrence, KS Public · Bachelor's degree | $30,227 | 121 | 69% | — | $23,781 |
| 20 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,620 | 115 | 85% | — | $21,117 |
| 21 | California State University - Chico Chico, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,297 | 77 | 63% | — | $19,222 |
| 22 | California State University - Long Beach Long Beach, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,270 | 93 | 69% | — | $12,000 |
| 23 | The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,044 | 92 | 73% | — | $23,250 |
| 24 | California State University - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $28,702 | 144 | 53% | — | $12,500 |
| 25 | University of West Georgia Carrollton, GA Public · Bachelor's degree | $28,612 | 78 | 43% | — | $24,723 |
Top certificate or associate program
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ Public · Certificate | $31,339 | 226 | 61% | — | $20,192 |
Specializations within Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
5 of the 5 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 51.02 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- Speech-Language Pathology/CIP 51.0203
Pathologist 7,257 graduates / yr189 institutions44 states - Audiology/CIP 51.0204
Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/ Pathologist 7,257 graduates / yr144 institutions41 states - Communication Sciences and DisordersCIP 51.02017,036 graduates / yr160 institutions41 states
- Audiology/CIP 51.0202
Audiologist 1,023 graduates / yr70 institutions34 states - Communication Disorders Sciences and ServicesCIP 51.0299287 graduates / yr19 institutions14 states
Offered across 51 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-1127, Speech-Language Pathologists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Communication Disorders Sciences and Services program can pursue careers in various fields, including Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth rate of 15% and approximately 13,300 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is around $95,410, typically requiring a master's degree for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 51.02.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 51.02 (Communication Disorders Sciences and Services) maps to 3 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 29-1127 | Speech-Language Pathologistsprimary |
| 29-1181 | Audiologists |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
- Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
- Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
- Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
- Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
- Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Communication Disorders Sciences and Services program?+
The program focuses on understanding and treating communication disorders, including speech, language, and hearing issues.
What specializations are available in this program?+
Specializations include Communication Sciences and Disorders, Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, and more.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, and knowledge of psychology and therapy.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is strong, with a growth rate of 15% and a median wage of $95,410.
How much do Communication Disorders Sciences and Services graduates earn?+
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $24,952, College Scorecard (2019); the Speech-Language Pathologists occupation pays about $98,170 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Communication Disorders Sciences and Services?+
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services maps to CIP 51.02 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card