Communication Disorders at University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $10,746/yr (-58% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (41,400 openings/yr)
ROI 28.5x earnings multiple (13.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #31 of 103 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

The earnings data for Communication Disorders Sciences and Services often reflects a pivotal point in your career path. While the listed professions like Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist command strong salaries, they universally require graduate degrees to practice. The figures you see here likely include many graduates who are still pursuing or have recently completed their master's or doctoral studies, or are working in support roles before full licensure. In a regional market like Iowa, public school districts are significant employers for new clinicians, which can sometimes offer different compensation structures compared to private clinics or hospitals in larger metro areas. UNI's program is a key pipeline for professionals serving the state, providing essential services to communities. The "High AI risk" often pertains to diagnostic support tools, not the human-centric therapeutic work itself. Therefore, critically consider your post-baccalaureate plans; your true earning potential in these fields is largely realized *after* completing advanced degrees and gaining clinical experience.

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 $1,116K $1,110K $891K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 28.7x 28.5x 22.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 13.1x 13.0x 10.5x
Probability of Field Employment 61% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,912
Out-of-state: $85,088 (13.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,436
-50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,537
19.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,505
472% growth from Year 1

About University of Northern Iowa

With 94% of applicants admitted, University of Northern Iowa prioritizes broad access, enrolling 7,599 students in Cedar Falls, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Northern Iowa →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication Disorders at University of Northern Iowa?
A score of 36/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication Disorders. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Communication Disorders at University of Northern Iowa worth the student debt?
Median debt of $17,537 against $10,746/yr starting salary means roughly 1.6 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 $890,660 in decade earnings vs $1,115,903 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication Disorders from University of Northern Iowa?
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 →