Speech-Language Pathology at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Certificate · Communication Disorders Sciences and Services

Northern Arizona University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 23,041 in Flagstaff, AZ.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,339/yr, roughly in line with the $31,339 national median for Speech-Language Pathology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 42.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Speech-Language Pathology programs nationally.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 46% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Speech-Language Pathology graduates.

Median debt of $19,114 represents roughly 7 months of the $31,339 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

This program is one of 1 schools offering Speech-Language Pathology in our dataset — a specialized trade with limited comparison points.

Five-year earnings of $51,562 show a 65% jump from the $31,339 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
49
Score
49
High End
Earnings $31,339/yr (0% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (54% shielded)
Job Market Large (41,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$550K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
43.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
3 of 3
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$12,652
Out-of-state: $28,900
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,114
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,562
65% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Speech-Language Pathology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Speech-language pathologists $95,410 +15.0% 55%
Audiologists $92,120 +9.5% 55%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Speech-language pathologists
$95,410
+15.0% growth 55% AI-proof
Audiologists
$92,120
+9.5% growth 55% AI-proof

Speech-Language Pathology Career Guide

Speech-Language Pathology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Speech-Language Pathology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Speech-Language Pathology Overview

Other Majors at Northern Arizona University

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Speech-Language Pathology at Northern Arizona University?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Speech-Language Pathology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Should I worry about AI if I study Speech-Language Pathology at Northern Arizona University?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Northern Arizona University graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Northern Arizona University one of the best schools for Speech-Language Pathology?
Ranked #1 of 1 programs nationally, Northern Arizona University lands in the top 1%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →