Communication Disorders at Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
37
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $12,383/yr (-51% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (41,400 openings/yr)
ROI 31.2x earnings multiple (9.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #27 of 103 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

Your outcomes in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services are heavily influenced by your post-bachelor's path. This undergraduate degree primarily serves as a prerequisite for graduate studies in speech-language pathology or audiology, which are essential for licensure in the highest-paying roles. The data likely reflects students entering support positions or those still pursuing their master's or doctorate. App State's program, located in a more rural area like Boone, prepares you well, but many graduates will need to pursue advanced degrees in larger markets for optimal career progression. The high AI risk might pertain more to administrative or basic support tasks within the field, rather than the core diagnostic and therapeutic work of licensed professionals. Therefore, view this bachelor's as a crucial stepping stone; thoroughly research graduate programs and their specific career outcomes before committing.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Communication Disorders graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $946K $941K $775K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 31.3x 31.2x 25.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.6x 9.6x 7.9x
Probability of Field Employment 61% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 37 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,164
Out-of-state: $98,148 (9.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,948
-119% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,750
17.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,480
372% growth from Year 1

About Appalachian State University

With 89% of applicants admitted, Appalachian State University prioritizes broad access, serving 19,304 students in Boone, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Appalachian State University →

Top Career Paths

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Speech-language pathologists $95,410/yr
Audiologists $92,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Communication Disorders at Other Schools

Other Majors at Appalachian State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication Disorders at Appalachian State University?
A score of 37/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication Disorders. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Communication Disorders at Appalachian State University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $17,750 against $12,383/yr starting salary means roughly 1.4 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Will AI replace Communication Disorders careers?
With 46% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $774,632 in decade earnings vs $945,511 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication Disorders from Appalachian State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →