Communication Disordersat Northern Illinois University
Graduates earn $34,136/yr in their first year — about 34.0% above the national Communication Disorders average. Base-case 10-year earnings $556K; scenarios range from $510K to $556K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Northern Illinois University
The strong earnings potential highlighted for this program isn't accidental; it reflects a clear pathway to advanced professional roles within a high-demand regional market. Northern Illinois University's curriculum is well-regarded for preparing students to pursue the essential master's degree required for clinical practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist.
You'll find graduates working in diverse settings across Illinois, from major hospital systems in the Chicago metropolitan area to public school districts and private clinics addressing a wide range of communication needs. The local economy, particularly in healthcare and education, consistently seeks qualified professionals, ensuring competitive salaries and robust career opportunities for those with the right credentials. While some administrative tasks in healthcare face AI risk, the core diagnostic, therapeutic, and human-centered aspects of these careers remain critically reliant on your specialized expertise.
Your key takeaway should be to fully embrace the extensive clinical experiences offered and plan your academic trajectory with a clear focus on graduate school and eventual licensure, as these are the true gateways to these rewarding careers.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Northern Illinois University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Communication Disorders
How Northern Illinois University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Northern Illinois University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Northern Illinois University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Communication Disorders offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Communication Disorders trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Communication Disorders at Northern Illinois University
What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication Disorders at Northern Illinois University?
At 34/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication Disorders programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication Disorders at Northern Illinois University?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.