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California's Communication Disorders Sciences and Services programs show a striking cost divide, with Cal State LA offering a net price of just $4,113 while private options like Biola University reach $28,101. The earnings gap is equally telling,California Baptist University graduates earn $41,406 annually compared to $22,534 at Cal State Northridge. This range reflects California's massive healthcare sector, where speech-language pathologists serve varied populations from Silicon Valley tech workers to agricultural communities in the Central Valley. The state's aging population and tech industry growth create steady demand for communication specialists. Public universities dominate the value equation, with seven Cal State campuses offering net prices below $15,000. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Cal State East Bay's 45.5% to San Diego State's impressive 78.3%. California's Cal Grant program helps bridge affordability gaps, making these programs accessible to students who might otherwise face barriers in pursuing this essential healthcare field.
17
Programs
$4,113 – $28,101
Net Price Range
$27,630
Avg. Program Earnings
62.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,113 $25,658 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
2 $5,646 $25,194 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
3 $6,480 $24,035 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
4 $8,931 $31,314 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
5 $7,599 $22,534 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
6 $11,276 $29,685 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
7 $10,512 $23,869 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
8 $13,741 $30,409 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
9 $12,882 $28,443 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
10 $14,838 $27,548 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
11 $27,384 $41,406 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
12 $16,174 $22,892 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
13 $25,926 $29,685 $55,340 67.8% 93.2%
14 $22,867 $25,194 $57,614 70.7% 81.9%
15 $28,101 $26,585 $46,704 68.8% 56.6%
16 $13,825 $14,965 85.3% 25.9%
17 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $24,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Public Cal State universities benefit from state funding, keeping net prices between $4,113 and $16,174. Private institutions like California Baptist University ($27,384) and Biola University ($28,101) rely on tuition revenue and typically offer smaller class sizes. The Cal Grant program covers full tuition at public universities for qualifying students, making the actual cost difference even more significant.

How do earnings compare between public and private program graduates?

California Baptist University graduates lead with $41,406 in median earnings, significantly higher than most public university graduates. However, several public universities produce competitive earners, including Cal State Long Beach at $31,314 and San Jose State at $30,409. The $18,872 earnings range reflects California's varied job markets, from rural areas to high-cost urban centers.

Is graduation rate connected to program cost in these Communication Disorders programs?

Not necessarily. San Diego State achieves the highest graduation rate at 78.3% with a moderate net price of $16,174. Meanwhile, Cal State East Bay has the lowest rate at 45.5% despite a mid-range cost of $11,276. Private universities generally maintain higher rates, with University of Redlands at 70.7% and Biola at 68.8%.

Where do Communication Disorders graduates find the best job prospects in California?

California's healthcare sector employs over 2.7 million people, creating strong demand for speech-language pathologists. The aging population in areas like Orange County and Silicon Valley's tech workers dealing with voice strain drive specialty needs. Schools, hospitals, and private clinics across the state hire graduates, with starting salaries varying by region and setting.

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