The 15 Affordable Speech Pathology Graduate Programs

A Speech Pathology graduate program is a unique and comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career as a certified speech-language pathologist. This program combines traditional classroom instruction with online learning courses, making it an ideal choice for busy adults who want to pursue an advanced degree in speech-language pathology.

The program offers courses in speech-language pathology fundamentals, anatomical and physiological aspects of speech, as well as more specialized courses such as diagnosis and treatment of speech and language disorders, research methods and writing, language acquisition and assessment, and more. During the program, students will learn the most current assessing techniques, intervention strategies, and evaluation methods.

We all use words to express ourselves, to teach and learn, and to establish and nurture relationships. When we are afflicted with communication disorders, which may be congenital or acquired through illness or injury, our lives are adversely affected in many ways. Our physical, mental, and social well-being, alongside our professional and financial health, are all at stake! 

Upon completion of the program, students will possess the necessary skills to provide excellent speech-language pathology services.

Methodology

PremiumSchools.com is all about assisting students like you in selecting an excellent graduate program that’s easy on the pocket, too! If you have been a practicing Speech Pathology specialist and want to take your skills to the next level, competencies, and career options without the hefty price tag, we’ve got you! We picked these Affordable Speech Pathology Graduate Programs based on the following criteria. 

• Financial costs – Because we emphasize AFFORDABILITY on this list, we looked into the tuition, fees, and other costs of attending many colleges and universities. Furthermore, we considered the availability and accessibility of their financial aid programs, particularly their scholarship programs, since these are vital in the affordability factor. We understand that pursuing a master’s degree isn’t easy on the pocket!
• Accreditation – We cannot overemphasize the importance of enrolling in a CAA-accredited master’s degree program in speech-language pathology or communicative sciences and disorders! Accreditation not only means the educational institution meets the high academic standards, but it’s also a requirement for clinical fellowship and state licensure. We only included accredited programs in our list for these reasons.
• Quality of the program – While accreditation is key to choosing the best program, we also looked into its quality, including its graduate outcomes, the faculty’s reputation, and the student-to-faculty ratio. We only chose the best ones that we think will give students excellent value for the money in terms of quality and affordability. 
• Course offerings – We also looked into available course offerings, which should allow students to meet their educational and professional goals; admission requirements should allow for selectivity; and facilities including computer labs, research facilities, and libraries.

Learn more about our selection process. See our Methodology page.

The 15 Affordable Speech Pathology Graduate Programs

University of Wisconsin – Madison 

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Normal Aspects of Speech, Language, and Hearing

There are two master’s degree programs leading to a career in speech pathology at UW–Madison. First, the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a two-year professional program designed for individuals who want to become clinicians.

Aside from their academic coursework, students undergo supervised clinical practicum in both on-campus and off-campus settings. The clinical rotations are designed to enable students to gain real-life exposure to the entire continuum of speech pathology practice, from infants and NICU to adults and nursing homes. 

Graduates of the abovementioned program meet the requirements for a state license, a state teacher certification from the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Second, the Master of Science in Normal Aspects of Speech, Language, and Hearing is a non-clinical professional program. Most of its students see the graduate degree as a stepping stone toward a Ph.D. in speech pathology and related fields. 

Tuition and Financial Assistance: 

The Bursars’ Office is in charge of the current tuition rates, which are affordable considering that UW is a public university. Tuition rates are also determined based on residency and the number of credits.  

The university offers several department scholarships and awards for graduate students, although it must be noted that the amount of support varies depending on funds availability. These include the Ash Foundation grants and awards, the WSHA Foundation scholarships, and Project CASTLE, which is open for full-time students whose tuition will be covered for two years. Teaching assistant positions, which provide full remission of tuition, stipend, and health insurance, are also available. 

Campus Location: Madison, Wisconsin 

Accreditation: CAA 

Graduation Requirements:

Students must complete the requirements for 40 credits, a program that takes five semesters to completion. 

Did you know?

The graduate program allows you to learn a wider area of study in audiology, hearing science, speech-language, language science, and speech science. This program is perfect for researchers, clinicians, and even teachers as they prepare for a more solid foundation in both applied and theoretical aspects of communication sciences and disorders. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT UW’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and in Normal Aspects of Speech, Language, and Hearing.

New York University 

Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders

NYU prides itself on its 100% Praxis pass rate for its graduates of the Master of science in communication sciences and disorders degree program.

The ASHA-accredited online program has an evidence-based curriculum that emphasizes person-centered care. Even its foundation courses, required before a graduate-level study, are also offered online for working professionals’ convenience. The program itself prepares its students in the successful pursuit of their speech pathologist license and offers students the choice between part-time and full-time study plans. 

Aside from its New York City campus, NYU also maintains campuses in Shanghai and Abu Dhabi so international students can avail themselves of its excellent program. Students also can study abroad in places like Ghana, Accra, and Sweden and choose the thesis route, a surefire way to establish a research-based career. NYU is also notable for its research opportunities, thanks to its nearly $1 billion annual funding. 

Tuition and Financial Assistance: 

Every semester, the educational costs for each student are assessed based on the number of credits a student decides to enroll in per term. Thus, it’s expected to notice a moderate tuition increase every academic year. NYU’s board of trustees also has the right to change or alter a program’s cost of attendance without notice.

The latest cost of attendance is for the academic year 2021-2022. The cost per credit is $1,942. The registration or service fee for the first credit/term is $528, and for additional credits is $73. Those who are enrolled in the MS program can expect to pay roughly $93,216 in tuition for the 48 graduate-level credits. 

NYU offers financial assistance packages that consider academic merit and demonstrated financial need. These include FAFSA and federal loans, including the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan (up to $20,500 per academic year) and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. Scholarships are available for a select number of applicants; no separate application is needed. 

Campus Location: New York City, New York 

Accreditation: CAA

Graduation Requirements: 

Students must complete 48 graduate-level credits along with seven foundation courses and 375 direct clinical contact hours. 

Did you know?

In NYU’s speech pathology program, each student is given a dedicated placement specialist who will work with you to secure an NYU Steinhardt faculty-approved clinical field placement site in your community.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NYU’s Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders Program.

George Washington University 

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Arts (MA) in Speech-Language Pathology program at GW provides its students with advanced skills and knowledge of speech pathology, including communication and swallowing disorders. Students also enjoy the benefits of research opportunities, unique clinical practicum opportunities, an excellent faculty, and an extensive alumni network. 

The program requires students to devote five full-time semesters and one summer semester to complete its requirements. Students are exposed to clinical settings through two externships and eight internships designed to strengthen their real-life skills as future speech therapists.

The student-to-faculty ratio is kept low both in core classes and clinical practicum. No wonder GW’s graduates achieve a 100% Praxis pass rate, and nearly 100% of them find viable employment within six months after graduation. 

Students can also choose between a thesis and non-thesis track, which should be made known to the faculty before the end of their second semester. 

Tuition and Financial Assistance: 

The 2021-2022 tuition for GWU graduate school is $1,995 per credit hour. There’s also a one-time application fee of $80 and a matriculation fee of $495. The university offers various types of funding for its graduate students. These include assistantships, fellowships, and loans like the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan.

Campus Location: Washington, DC. 

Accreditation: CAA

Graduation Requirements: 

For students in the non-thesis option, the university requires 38 credits in compulsory courses and four electives. For those in the thesis option, the graduation requirements are 36 credits in compulsory courses and the 6-credit thesis. All students must complete supervised clinical rotations and earn a passing rate on the master’s summative assessment. 

Did you know?

GWU’s speech-language pathology program is nationally ranked and is fully accredited by the Council of Academic Programs in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Students are trained and provided with the most in-depth education in all aspects of communication, coupled with the best hands-on experience evaluating patients and doing therapy treatments. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT GW’s Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology.

Northwestern University

MS in Speech, Language, and Learning Program

Northwestern University’s master’s and doctoral degree programs combine intensive classroom lectures and on-campus and off-campus clinical experiences that result in exceptional training for students. The seven-quarter master’s degree curriculum features innovative and responsive courses that train students in evidence-based decision-making, critical use and application of concepts, and professional leadership. Every quarter addresses specific aspects of effective speech-language pathology practice, such as client context. 

The immersive curriculum demands that students be fully focused on both academic coursework and clinical practice. Students must complete on-campus clinical rotations every quarter on campus and two full-time, off-campus, 11-week placements. 

Every master’s degree student must have an approved academic program as advised by an adviser and committee. Students must comply with the university’s strict academic integrity standards, including satisfactory academic progress. In general, students must complete their studies within five years of their initial registration or be placed on probation.

Tuition and Financial Assistance: 

For the master’s degree, the tuition is $17,699 per quarter and is billed on the first invoice for each quarter. Part-time tuition is $6,297 per unit. Since Northwestern is a private university, there is very little difference in the cost of attendance between in-state, out-of-state, and international students. Clinical registrations and lab fees are also waived, although externship placement fees and other nominal fees are still collected. 

Northwestern offers several ways of reducing the cost of attendance for graduate students. Take note that the financial aid opportunities for graduate and post-graduate students are different – Ph.D. students have more opportunities, such as tuition scholarships, stipends, and assistantships than master’s degree students.

Campus Location: Evanston, Illinois 

Accreditation: CAA

Graduation Requirements: 

Students must complete 16 core courses and seven clinical rotations and fulfill the requirements regarding their master’s coursework, timeline, and grades. 

Did you know?

All degree-seeking Northwestern University students are required to have their health insurance coverage either through the student’s insurance carrier or Northwestern University/Aetna Student Health Insurance plan.

LEARN MORE ABOUT Northwestern University’s MS in Speech, Language, and Learning Program.

University of Florida 

Master of Communication Sciences and Disorders

The University of Florida’s Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders program is notable for its mission of empowering students to become speech pathologists with a holistic perspective.

Graduates are known for their professionalism, compassion, and competence, as evidenced by their focus on preserving and promoting their patients’ general well-being through effective therapies. The curriculum combines comprehensive academic coursework and hands-on clinical education, which are underlined by evidence-based best practices. 

The supervised clinical courses are made in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, and nursing and residential care facilities. Students also benefit from externships during their final semester, usually in their preferred setting; externships are unpaid yet full-time job experiences with the opportunity to be hired afterward. But for students who want to skip an externship, there’s a thesis track equivalent to six credits. 

Tuition and Financial Assistance: 

The latest cost of attendance (2020-2021) for graduate programs (on-campus and off-campus) is $12,740. This figure is only for graduate students enrolling at UF for the first time. For continuing students, tuition/fees are relatively lower. Out-of-state graduate students should also add $17,394 to projected tuition/fees. 

The University of Florida also has several types of aids. You can check out the Office of the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for federal, state, and university aid programs, along with several privately funded scholarships.

Campus Location: Gainesville, Florida 

Accreditation: CAA 

Graduation Requirements:

Students usually take five semesters for program completion and must comply with academic and clinical coursework requirements, including an approved thesis, if necessary. 

Did you know?

The Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders Program is very competitive. The school receives hundreds of applications every year, and only 25% of all applicants are approved for admission. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT UF’s Master’s Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

MS in Speech and Hearing Sciences

UNC-Chapel Hill is rightly known as a Public Ivy institution because of its academic excellence, among other reasons. Its Master of science in Speech and hearing sciences program, offered through its School of Medicine, is among the nation’s top programs because of its emphasis on academic excellence and community service.

Its students must demonstrate a passion for working with people from diverse cultures, the underserved and the unserved, aside from being skilled and sensitive professionals. 

Students benefit from the world-class curriculum that combines learning in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical rotations. The program itself is available in two formats, with each format resulting in specific career outcomes.

First, the 60-semester clinical track prepares its graduates for ASHA certification and state licensure. Second, the non-clinical track prepares its graduates for a research-centric career; it’s also the preferred option for international students who aren’t aiming for specific concentrations or certifications. 

Tuition and Financial Assistance: 

For a full load, the tuition and fees differ for resident students ($10,180.32) and non-resident students ($19,043.32) for the academic year 2020-2021. The university offers several forms of financial aid, including scholarships, work-study assistantships, and stipends, and UNC requires applicants to follow its strict application procedures and deadlines. 

Notable financial aid includes the University Merit Scholarship Program open for applicants with superior GPA and GRE scores, leadership potential, and letters of recommendation; the DSHS stipends; and the Department of Allied Health Sciences (DAHS) Scholarship Program, which requires FAFSA submission. 

Campus Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina 

Accreditation: CAA

Graduation Requirements:

The university requires completing 60 hours of graduate coursework, including ten core courses, an elective, and a clinical practicum. 

Did you know?

You can still apply for a master’s degree in speech-language pathology even if you don’t have a degree or background in Communication Sciences and Disorders. However, it’s best that you complete as many of the prerequisites as you can before you apply. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT UNC Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences.

University of Pittsburgh 

Master of Arts and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Pitt offers two master’s degrees in speech-language pathology – a master of arts and a master of science with each program resulting in advanced knowledge and skills necessary to become a top-notch speech pathologist. Both programs also feature a low 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. 

However, admission is competitive, with applicants requiring a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. Preferential treatment may be given to applicants with a bachelor’s degree in communication and speech disorders since their education meets the program’s prerequisites. Applicants with non-related bachelor’s degrees must coordinate with academic advisors to plan their academic paths. 

Pitt’s program is ranked third in the United States, thanks to its rigorous curriculum that equip students with a keen understanding of the roles and responsibilities of speech pathologists. Students are also provided with a solid foundation in ethics, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the workplace, and empathy for patients. 

Tuition and Financial Assistance: 

Since Pitt is a public university, its graduate tuition and fees are affordable. The tuition for full-time, in-state graduate students is $27,590 per academic year (2020-2021) and $13,795 per term. All students in the program will be charged tuition for four academic terms and summer sessions aside from the lab fees, medical requirements, and physical examinations. 

Pitt offers scholarships and loans, including FAFSA, to graduate students with demonstrated financial needs. Students should be enrolled on a half-time basis, minimum, to be eligible for federal loans and private educational loans. 

Campus Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

Accreditation: CAA

Graduation Requirements:

The university requires the completion of 60 credits for graduation, with said credits divided between on-campus coursework and clinical rotations. Students in both the Master of arts and Master of science tracks must also complete either a thesis or pass a comprehensive written and oral exam. 

Did you know?

The master’s program of science and speech-language pathology of the University of Pittsburgh is ranked third in the nation by the US News and World Report. They have several clinical partners both for adult and pediatric sites like the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the VA Medical Center, Pittsburgh Public Schools, and other early intervention agencies providing services for infants and toddlers. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT Pitts’ Master of Arts and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology programs.

University of Virginia 

M.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders

UVA offers its world-class Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders to individuals whose career trajectory is education. The full-time clinical degree program has two tracks, but these are combined as a single track after students have completed one year of study. 

First, Track I is for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. The curriculum takes five semesters, including a summer semester, to complete. 

Second, Track II is for students without a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders or other related degrees. Since they will be taking pre-professional courses that will bring them up to date, students take seven semesters, including summer semesters, to complete the program. 

All students must undergo a full-time internship during their final semester. Afterward, they must take and pass a comprehensive exam and make an oral presentation about their internship. Graduates are expected to be clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of their profession and with hands-on experience in making evidence-based clinical decisions in their practice. 

Note that UVA has a thesis option for individuals who plan on pursuing their Ph.D. This option means another semester added to one’s time in graduate school. 

Tuition and Financial Assistance: 

For part-time masters with 11 or fewer credits per term, the tuition is $720 per credit hour for Virginians and $1,150 per credit hour for non-Virginians. Full-time masters with 12 or more credits per term are $17,280 and $27,540 per academic year, for Virginians and non-Virginians, respectively. 

UVA neither provides full scholarships to graduate students nor provides financial assistance to all students. Applicants check the financial aid box on the application if they wish to receive it from the Curry School of Education.

Other means of financing your studies are through FAFSA, work-study arrangements, and external scholarships, such as the Communication Disorders Foundation of Virginia’s scholarship program and the $12,000 fellowship from the School of Education and Human Development. 

Campus Location: Charlottesville, Virginia 

Accreditation: CAA 

Graduation Requirements:

Besides meeting their academic coursework requirements, students must complete at least two clinical rotation assignments and an externship. The latter involves three days a week in an externship setting while also continuing academic coursework on campus. 

Did you know?

The graduate program of the University of Virginia has both clinical training and academic preparation. These are focused on honing the skills and knowledge required for a career as a practicing Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). As students start to attend their classes at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, they simultaneously initiate clinical training in the Sheila Johnson Center, the school’s in-house multidisciplinary clinic serving patients from central Virginia looking for audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and literacy specialists. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT UV’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

University of Connecticut 

Master of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

UConn’s Master of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences is a standout because of its rigorous curriculum that covers communication and swallowing disorders, among others. This is a two-year program where students earn 75 credits and benefit from 400 hours of supervised clinical rotations, a significant portion of which must be completed during a single summer semester.  

Undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders degree holders must meet the program requirements and can proceed directly with the curriculum upon admission. However applicants without the said degree must enroll in a one-year pre-professional program to meet prerequisites; the total time of completion then extends to three years. 

The program has two options – a Plan A thesis track and a Plan B non-thesis route. 

UConn also offers a Ph.D. in speech pathology program; the other four concentrations are language, speech science, audiology, and hearing science. This is a full-time program with broad-based coursework, experimental investigations under a mentor, and dissertation research. 

Tuition and Financial Assistance: 

For nine credits and above, the in-state tuition is $8,454 per semester (2020-2021) for graduate students. While the department doesn’t have a dedicated financial aid program, the university offers other means of financing your studies. You can visit the UConn Office of Financial Aid for more information about research assistantships, need-based financial aid, scholarships, and private loans. 

Campus Location: Storrs, Connecticut 

Accreditation: CAA 

Graduation Requirements:

Students must complete 75 credit hours and 400 clock hours of clinical experience, of which 25 hours are in clinical observation and 375 hours are in direct patient contact. 

Did you know?

Students who are applying during the Fall of 2021 for the Fall 2022 matriculation date are no longer required to submit their GRE scores. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT UConn’s Master of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences program.

University at Buffalo – State University of New York System 

Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders and Sciences

The University at Buffalo’s Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders and Science favors students who have undergraduate training in speech and hearing sciences and accepts applicants without said training after completing pre-professional coursework.

Students learn multiple specializations like pervasive developmental disorders in the learning labs and classroom and complete two externships in local facilities. The program consists of five semesters, including a summer semester. 

Each externship experience is a full-time commitment (five days a week) lasting for eight weeks in schools, hospitals, and private practice settings. Students can also look into research apprenticeship opportunities, although availability varies. These opportunities cover basic and applied areas like voice production, child and adult language, and augmentative communication. 

Students may also choose the thesis option. Here, they will work under the guidance of faculty members. 

Tuition and Financial Assistance: 

The resident graduate tuition and fees for Spring 2021 are $5,642.50 for nine credits, among the most affordable. Students can avail themselves of financial assistance, including grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships. 

Campus Location: Buffalo, New York 

Accreditation: CAA 

Graduation Requirements:

The university requires a minimum of 40 credit hours and one 12-week clinical practicum during the summer term. Students must also pass the Praxis exam and complete either their research project or thesis before being considered graduates.  

Did you know?

Students enrolled in the program are qualified for the New York State licensure needed for practice in outside educational settings. Those enrolled in speech-language pathology (MA program) are also qualified for the New York State certification for teachers of students with speech-language disabilities. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT UB’s Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders and Sciences.

Michigan State University 

Masters of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

MSU’s Masters of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders is a two-year program that requires students to complete 51 credits. Students choose from two tracks – first, a thesis track with independent study; second, a non-thesis track with two specialized courses combined with a comprehensive final exam. The program consists of five continuous semesters, which include a summer semester, starting every fall term. 

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and at least a 3.0 GPA can directly enter the program. However applicants without this degree must complete a one-year pre-professional program to complete the prerequisite courses. Applicants should submit letters of recommendation, as well as a statement of purpose for their applications to be considered, but these aren’t guaranteed admission. 

The great thing about MSU’s program is its holistic approach to producing the country’s best speech pathologists. The academic coursework equips students with crucial knowledge and skills in speech pathology and develops their leadership, problem-solving, and people skills.

The community-based clinical training provides valuable hands-on, real-world exposure for students, and certified speech pathologists usually supervise the clinical rotations. 

MSU also offers a Ph.D. in Communicative Sciences and Disorders program. Every student enjoys a personalized program based on his/her professional aspirations and interests. 

Tuition and Financial Assistance: 

The in-state tuition is $21,115, while the out-of-state tuition is $35,215 for the 2020-2021 academic year. If the costs are still beyond your reach, you can look into the scholarships and awards for graduate students. Ask your academic advisor for the best results.  

Scholarships are available for students who will go for the thesis (Plan A) option. To apply, students should state their research interests in the academic statement. 

Campus Location: East Lansing, Michigan 

Accreditation: CAA 

Graduation Requirements:

Students should complete the required credits and clinical work, and finish a thesis or pass a comprehensive exam depending on the chosen track. 

Did you know?

MSU’s clinical training is community-based. The school has a wide network (more than 100) of off-campus facilities like hospitals, public schools, private clinics, and nursing homes both in Michigan and across the state so that master’s students can get all the support and experience in their clinical training. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT MSU’s Masters of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders.

University of Tulsa 

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

TU’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program is well-known for its small class sizes, a feature that means better instruction and learning for teachers and students. Take note that students must be willing to study on a full-time basis to be admitted into the program, which takes two years to complete. The program consists of 34 credits for academic coursework and six credits for clinical practicum. 

The program is also known for its 100% Praxis exam pass rate and its 100% employment rate for its graduates who secured relevant jobs within a year after graduation. Such success comes from the students’ exposure to challenging coursework and relevant practical experience, which prepares them for a successful industry career.

Plus, students typically complete the program within the expected time, proof of the university’s excellent guidance and instruction. 

Tuition and Financial Assistance: 

Graduate school tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year is $1,389 per credit hour. For the graduate student fees (per semester), the international student fee is $180; the student association fee is $80; the technology fee is $250, and the community fee is $125. 

Campus Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma 

Accreditation: CAA

Graduation Requirements:

The university requires students to complete the requirements for their academic coursework and clinical practicum and complete an approved graduate thesis. 

Did you know?

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology of the University of Tulsa is rated as one of the best programs in the US by SpeedPathologyGraduatePrograms.org. The program combines impressive Praxis exam passing rates with a very solid on-time completion rate, plus a 100% employment rate among graduates. This makes this program the best choice for students in the heartland. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT TU’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program.

University of Delaware 

Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology

The UD admission requirements into its Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology program include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, preferably in communication disorders, two personal essays, GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation.

Applicants without the preferred undergraduate degree must complete the prerequisite coursework, taking one or two semesters. Only upon completion can applicants be admitted into the program as regular graduate students. 

This entry-level program equips students with the necessary academic coursework and clinical practicum experience for a subsequent application for ASHA’s certification in speech-language pathology. Graduates are also qualified to apply for state licensure and pursue doctoral studies if desired. 

Students are required to enroll as full-time students during the program’s two-year duration, which includes one summer term and two winter terms. The university doesn’t allow part-time enrollment. 

There’s a thesis option that allows students to gain research experience in preparation for doctoral studies. This option will add another semester to the study period.  

Tuition and Financial Assistance: 

Effective Fall 2021, the base tuition rate for graduate school is $950 per credit, although there are also some rate exceptions like tuitions that are lower or higher than the base due to different factors like program focus, competitive market research, program type, and historical enrollment success. 

Sustaining tuition fees for a master’s student is $741 per semester and $1,118 for doctoral students. Any US citizen can apply for the Stafford Loans. Students are encouraged to file a FAFSA with the Financial Aid Office to be granted a Federal Stafford Loan. 

Campus Location: Newark, Delaware 

Accreditation: CAA 

Graduation Requirements:

Students are required to complete 60 credits plus the clinical practicum. 

Did you know?

The University of Delaware MA Education Program in Speech-Language Pathology offers in-person live tours. This allows potential students to see the facilities before they decide to enroll. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT UD’s Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology program.

Syracuse University 

MS of Speech-Language Pathology

While Syracuse is a private research university, most (80%) of its students receive financial aid resulting in a more affordable cost of attendance. This is true for its students in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program, which meets the requirements set by ASHA for certification and by the New York State for licensure purposes.

Graduates can choose to become certified speech pathologists or pursue an education path by becoming certified teachers of students with speech-language disabilities. 

Applicants with and without a background in communication sciences and disorders may apply, although the number of semesters spent in the program will vary. Students without said background have to take seven prerequisite courses first before being accepted as regular students. Nonetheless, all students have to complete a clinical practicum in various facilities in New York and New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Canada. 

The program typically lasts for four full-time semesters and a summer term, five semesters in total. Students taking prerequisite courses will spend an extra two semesters. The program emphasizes students’ need to become effective, ethical, and compassionate speech pathologists who also become leaders in their communities. 

Tuition and Financial Assistance: 

For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition is $31,212, and another direct billable cost is $898. This equates to $32,110 (or $1,734) per credit hour. The dollar amount doesn’t include other direct billable expenses like fees, housing, meals, and indirect costs. Students don’t necessarily have to pay the full amount since scholarships and other forms of merit-based support are available. 

These include renewable graduate fellowships with full-tuition scholarships and stipends, graduate assistantships, and university merit scholarships. There is also a travel grant program and a research and creative project grant competition. 

Campus Location: Syracuse, New York 

Accreditation: CAA 

Graduation Requirements:

Students must complete between 46 and 53 credits and clinical practicum, as well as a capstone project. They can also choose to take a comprehensive exam or write a thesis. 

Did you know?

The US New and World Report nationally ranked Syracuse University in the top 12% of Speech-Language Pathology schools. It is also ranked 2^nd in Audiology, and first in Speech-Language Pathology. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT Syracuse’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program.

Boston University 

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Science (MS) in Speech-Language Pathology at BU is a two-year program that accepts students with or without a communication sciences and disorder background. Students commend it for its challenging yet comprehensive curriculum, small class sizes, and exceptional clinical training experiences. Plus, the program is known for its 100% Praxis pass rate and high employment opportunities.  

Students can look forward to meeting ASHA certification standards and the state’s licensure requirements upon graduation from the program. Their BU experiences also include a wide range of research opportunities that will open up doors in higher education (Ph.D.).

Students are also provided with hands-on experiences in dealing with the entire continuum of speech-language pathology through the university’s clinical education centers and its partner institutions. 

Tuition and Financial Assistance: 

The tuition is $29,280 for 18 credits. Other fees include $419 per semester.  The university offers scholarships, student employment opportunities, and federal aid, among other financial aid forms, to defray these costs. 

Campus Location: Boston, Massachusetts 

Accreditation: CAA 

Graduation Requirements:

Students should be able to complete four semesters of full-time study and a summer session. The university only gives students five years after their initial matriculation to complete the requirements for graduation. 

Did you know?

This program is designed to prepare students for employment in private practice, medical, rehabilitation, educational, and community settings. Before admission, a student should satisfactorily perform on the comprehensive examination. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT BU’s Master of Science Education in Speech-Language Pathology program.

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