Skip to main content

Best Value Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

CUNY Lehman College delivers remarkable value in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services education with a net cost of just $3,482 while producing graduates who earn $35,327 annually. This represents one of the strongest return-on-investment ratios among speech-language pathology programs nationwide. The field benefits from growing demand across healthcare systems, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 25% job growth through 2032. California dominates this list with seven programs, reflecting the state's large healthcare infrastructure and aging population driving speech therapy needs. Net costs across these 20 programs range from $3,482 to $16,136, while graduate earnings span $19,592 to $36,848. The significant variation in outcomes suggests careful program selection matters. Public universities clearly lead the value proposition here, offering pathways into a profession where median salaries often exceed $80,000 with advanced degrees and clinical experience.
50
Programs
$3,482 – $32,116
Net Price Range
$28,756
Avg. Program Earnings
57.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,482 $35,327 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
2 $3,830 $24,421 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
3 $4,113 $25,658 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
4 $5,646 $25,194 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
5 $6,480 $24,035 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
6 $8,931 $31,314 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
7 $9,477 $32,925 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
8 $6,199 $21,508 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
9 $6,500 $19,592 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
10 $8,327 $24,912 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
11 $7,599 $22,534 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
12 $10,948 $30,409 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
13 $10,650 $28,960 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
14 $10,043 $26,694 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
15 $11,276 $29,685 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
16 $15,152 $36,294 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
17 $14,352 $34,348 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
18 $12,599 $29,685 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
19 $16,136 $36,848 $8,455 41.4% 61.5%
20 $10,512 $23,869 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
21 $14,485 $32,284 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
22 $12,174 $27,048 $8,373 44.8% 99.0%
23 $13,741 $30,409 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
24 $12,882 $28,443 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
25 $11,429 $25,194 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
26 $12,869 $27,874 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
27 $10,204 $21,703 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
28 $13,091 $27,765 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
29 $13,085 $26,739 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
30 $14,714 $29,995 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
31 $14,773 $29,685 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
32 $13,485 $26,739 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
33 $14,738 $28,960 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
34 $13,670 $26,353 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
35 $13,853 $26,519 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
36 $17,139 $32,284 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
37 $14,981 $28,055 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
38 $17,525 $32,569 $9,748 70.0% 78.9%
39 $14,838 $27,548 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
40 $17,502 $32,391 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
41 $20,015 $36,941 $11,954 71.0% 75.7%
42 $13,172 $24,035 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
43 $16,438 $29,685 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
44 $12,579 $22,710 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
45 $17,084 $30,771 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
46 $12,932 $22,796 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
47 $16,791 $29,374 $11,306 67.6% 78.6%
48 $15,402 $26,739 $8,994 62.4% 85.6%
49 $32,116 $54,109 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
50 $16,547 $27,874 $8,881 58.8% 70.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for CUNY Lehman College's strong value in this field?

Lehman College combines the lowest net cost at $3,482 with strong graduate earnings of $35,327, creating an outstanding cost-to-earnings ratio. The program benefits from New York's extensive healthcare network and clinical partnerships. Students also graduate with minimal debt averaging just $8,000, allowing them to pursue graduate studies without significant financial burden.

How do California State University programs compare in terms of value?

California State schools dominate this list with seven programs, though their value varies significantly. CSU Long Beach offers the best combination with $8,931 net cost and $31,314 graduate earnings, plus a strong 69.9% graduation rate. In contrast, CSU Fresno costs $6,480 but graduates earn only $24,035, demonstrating how location and program strength affect outcomes within the same system.

Does graduation rate correlate with earning potential in these programs?

The data reveals mixed patterns between graduation rates and earnings. University of Central Florida boasts a 75.1% graduation rate with $28,960 earnings, while CUNY Lehman achieves $35,327 earnings despite a 49.3% graduation rate. Governors State University shows the lowest graduation rate at 19.6% but still produces graduates earning $32,925, suggesting program selectivity may play a role.

What explains the wide range in graduate debt levels across programs?

Student debt varies dramatically from $8,000 at CUNY Lehman to $25,500 at Marshall University, largely reflecting regional living costs and state funding levels. California and New York programs generally show lower debt despite higher living costs, thanks to strong state university systems. Texas Woman's University maintains moderate debt at $16,924 while achieving solid earnings of $30,409.

Where do Communication Disorders graduates typically find employment after these programs?

These bachelor's programs primarily prepare students for graduate school in speech-language pathology or audiology, as clinical practice requires master's-level training. Early career opportunities include speech therapy assistant roles in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Graduate earnings of $19,592 to $36,848 reflect entry-level positions and geographic variations, with higher salaries concentrated in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, New York, and Orlando.

More Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Rankings

Cheapest Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Under $20,000

Related

All Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.