PP901 - Comparison of Student Debt-to-Income Ratios for Audiologists

Abstract:
A survey study will be reported to evaluate the debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of individuals practicing audiology, factors that influence enrollment choices of audiology doctoral students without in-state options available, and what factors are significant to the DTI of audiologists. A survey administered via social media received data from audiologists nationwide. DTI calculations will be reported along with a one-way ANOVA to conclude the factors most influential in DTI for those pursuing career paths in audiology.

Summary:
Purpose/Rationale:
As a profession, it is important to understand the financial difficulties placed on the future audiologists. No previous literature included in the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports has specifically included audiologists in their determination of the debt non-medical doctorates hold. Therefore, it is unclear if student debt takes longer for audiologists to pay off than those with similar professional degrees (Hanson, 2023, McFarland et al., 2018); however, the DTI is speculated to be higher for audiologists (Emanuel, 2021).  

As Emanuel (2021) noted, the majority of audiologists cite student debt as a reason they do not recommend others pursue an Au.D degree. When debt is significantly deterring individuals from becoming audiologists, the field is being set up for an even greater shortage. This is troublesome as the aging population continues to increase, thereby increasing the need for hearing professionals nationwide. A better understanding of the financial options and DTI status of individuals in states without programs can help with legislative actions and unity across the profession. The purpose of this survey project is to address the research question(s):1) What is the ratio of debt-to-income in individuals practicing in states without an Au.D. program? 2)What factors influence the enrollment choices of Au.D applicants without an in-state option? 3) What factors influence the DTI of audiologists ?

Methods:

To complete this study, currently under IRB review, the survey will be launched pending approval, data is anticipated to be collected in December of 2023 will be collected from practicing audiologists across the United States. The survey will be disseminated through social media. Quantitative data about debt-to-income (DTI) will be requested from the audiologists participating. A breakdown of demographics, including state residency during Au.D., and access to financial support during Au.D enrollment, as well as the current settings of employment, will be collected. Data to calculate the DTI of each participant will also be included. Data will be analyzed to determine the typical financial burdens audiologists face without programs available. The particular statistical analyses utilized will likely be one-way ANOVA (Q1), non-parametric frequency distribution tables (Q2 and Q3), and regression analysis may be used for Q2 and/or Q3 data permitting.

Results & Conclusions To Date:

Data has not yet been collected to analyze; however, IRB approval is anticipated within the next week, therefore, the survey can be easily launched and data analyzed in Qualtrics by February 15, 2024 in compliance with the guidelines. Our current hypothesis is that the research will find that the DTI is greater for those obtaining an Au.D. with residency in states without an Au.D. program available. Additionally, we hypothesize that DTI frequency distributions will be significantly different based on residency state and setting of employment. Finally, we also suspect that financial aid opportunities are a significant contributor to enrollment decisions. The results and conclusions will be determined upon full analysis of the data to best serve audiologists and inform the complete financial picture of our profession.