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The CUNY system dominates affordable Communication Disorders Sciences and Services education, claiming four of the five cheapest programs nationwide. Hunter College leads at just $2,446 net cost, while Brooklyn College follows at $2,943. These programs prepare students for careers in speech-language pathology and audiology, fields experiencing rapid growth as the population ages and awareness of communication disorders increases. The Northeast region particularly benefits from strong healthcare networks and specialized medical centers requiring these professionals. Graduation rates vary significantly across affordable options, from Hunter's solid 61% to concerning single-digit rates at some Ohio University regional campuses. Lehman College graduates earn $35,327 annually, nearly double the $19,592 starting point elsewhere. California State schools offer middle-ground pricing around $4,000-6,000 net cost with respectable outcomes. The data reveals a clear trade-off between rock-bottom pricing and completion rates, though several programs prove both affordable and effective.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $11,504
Net Price Range
$25,256
Avg. Program Earnings
49.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
4 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
5 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
6 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
7 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
8 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
9 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
10 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
11 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
12 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
13 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
14 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
15 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
16 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
17 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
18 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
19 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
20 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
21 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
22 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
23 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
24 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
25 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
26 $8,543 $9,000 36.3% 56.3%
27 $8,787 $5,580 32.9% 44.7%
28 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
29 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
30 $8,964 $5,580 31.6% 46.8%
31 $9,034 $5,580 42.7% 40.1%
32 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
33 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
34 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
35 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
36 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
37 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
38 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
39 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
40 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
41 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
42 $10,933 $7,797 69.0% 100.0%
43 $10,948 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
44 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
45 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
46 $11,197 $14,700 73.1% 71.4%
47 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
48 $11,298 $6,007 41.7% 89.5%
49 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
50 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so affordable for Communication Disorders programs?

CUNY schools benefit from substantial state funding and serve primarily in-state students, keeping costs low. Hunter College's $2,446 net price represents strong value with a 61% graduation rate. Brooklyn College adds only $500 more at $2,943 while maintaining 56.6% completion rates. These schools also keep student debt minimal, with Brooklyn College graduates owing just $12,721 compared to national averages.

How do graduation rates compare across the cheapest programs?

Graduation rates span a dramatic range from 91.5% at University of Florida to just 13.7% at Ohio University-Lancaster. The CUNY schools maintain solid rates between 49-61% despite low costs. California State universities perform well, with Fullerton achieving 69.2% graduation rates. Ohio University regional campuses struggle significantly, with most below 20% completion rates despite similar pricing to stronger programs.

Where do graduates typically find employment after these programs?

Communication Disorders graduates work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practice clinics. Lehman College graduates earn $35,327 annually, reflecting strong job markets in metropolitan New York. California State graduates average around $25,000, while some programs show starting salaries near $19,592. The field benefits from growing demand as speech therapy becomes more recognized in educational and healthcare settings.

Does attending a regional campus affect program quality?

Ohio University's regional campuses show concerning patterns with graduation rates below 20% across multiple locations. Eastern and Southern campuses both report $22,875 average debt despite poor completion rates. In contrast, main campuses like University of Florida achieve 91.5% graduation rates. Regional access can be valuable, but students should carefully evaluate completion data and support services before enrolling.

What debt levels should students expect from affordable programs?

Student debt varies widely even among cheap programs, from $8,000 at CUNY Lehman to $22,875 at Ohio University campuses. CUNY schools generally keep debt low, with Brooklyn College at $12,721 and Queens at $11,000. California State universities fall in the middle range around $11,900-14,750. The lowest-cost programs often result in the most manageable debt loads for graduates.

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