top graduate programs for speech pathology

Best Speech-Language Pathology Programs

Ranked in 2024, part of Best Health Schools

Speech-language pathology is a competitive field for

Speech-language pathology is a competitive field for those who wish to help people with communication disorders, swallowing difficulties, voice pitch problems and more. These are the top master’s programs in speech-language pathology. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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CollegeRank.net

Best College Rankings

30 Top Speech Pathology Grad Programs

Quick Highlights:

• Our #1 ranked school for speech pathology is  Purdue University , followed by  University of Washington- Seattle Campus .
• Speech therapy programs equip students to address a wide range of communication disorders in various professional settings.
• These programs emphasize practical training through internships and preparatory steps for certification .
• Eligibility for an SLP program  often requires a GPA above 3.0 .

Best Master’s Speech Therapy

A master’s degree in speech therapy is your last step before becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist.

This is what you’ve been waiting for, right?

You graduated with a bachelor’s. Now all you need before becoming a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is your master’s degree. Then, the world is your oyster. You can work with struggling patients and help the disabled find a way to speak again.

To get your degree, choose one of the 30 Best Master’s in Speech Therapy programs . A career in speech language pathology could be within your grasp!

The rapid growth of the speech-language pathology and speech development profession illustrates how much we’ve neglected people with communication disorders. 

Imagine how hard life was for people with a developmental challenge 100 years ago. They knew they had an issue, but it didn’t have a name or a solution. So they were left in agony.

These days, people who have communication disorders can at least find a name for their disorder. And in most cases, speech therapists can treat communication disorders completely, or at least improve long-term outcomes.

Speech therapy is one of the quickest-growing fields in the world, and it’s as fruitful as it is lucrative. 

A speech language pathology degree is the way to take part in this growing field!

Related (Campus):

• Top Speech Therapist Bachelor’s Degrees
• Best Speech Language Associate’s Degrees
• Top Speech Pathology Programs in Texas

Related (Online):

• Best Online Speech Pathology Master’s Programs

What are the Best Master’s in Speech Therapy?

 At CollegeRank , we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown including academic accreditation. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Graduate Programs for Speech Language Pathologists

Purdue university-main campus, graduation rate, acceptance rate.

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) Program

Purdue University offers an excellent Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) Program, ranked #3 by U.S. News & World Report.

Applying students must submit:

• three letters of recommendation
• official transcripts from all institutions attended
• an updated resume
• answers to the prompts on Purdue’s application

The school is selective, so you should ensure that your application is of the highest quality.

As a graduate student in Purdue’s speech pathology program, you will take fantastic classes like:

• Neural Bases of Speech & Hearing
• Language Disorders in Adults
• Motor Disorders of Speech
• School Clinical Methods

Additionally, you are required to enroll in:

• a clinical practicum
• educational externship
• two healthcare externships
• a practicum

As a pre-professional program, Purdue’s speech and language pathology program prepares students for the Praxis test and the required clinical competence.

The university also provides students with a year-one and year-two checklist to make sure they’re keeping up with the demands of the program and that they’re prepared for their careers.

Academic accreditation for this speech language pathology degree includes:

• Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology
• Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

University of Washington- Seattle Campus

Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology

As second place on our list, the University of Washington leaves nothing to be desired. Students enjoy:

• an excellent mix of a beautiful campus
• fantastic classes
• faculty who have made an impressionable imprint on speech therapy as a study

To gain admission to this program, you should have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

You can choose from three master of science in speech language pathology degree options:

• Medical/community
•  Research academia

So what classes comprise an excellent curriculum? At the University of Washington, speech therapy you complete classes like:

• Neural Bases of Speech
• Language & Hearing
• Clinical Forum in Speech-Language Pathology
• Assessment & Treatment of Dysphagia.

You must also spend over 500 hours in internships and practicums throughout this two-year master’s program.

These internships require you to observe and participate in the work of established speech therapists. Students can choose to intern in one of over 270 approved locations. UW’s Master of Science in speech-language pathology is the best school in the nation. It offers a clinical practicum and classroom coursework. It will prepare students for clinical competence.

University of Florida

Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders Program

The University of Florida is noted for excellent student life, an active sports community, and outstanding academics. And the school’s Master of Arts in communication sciences and disorders program is no exception to the high-quality academics of the school.

As long as you pass each course and enter the program having completed the required prerequisite courses, you should graduate within two years.

At the University of Florida’s communication sciences and disorders program, you will take classes like:

• Speech Pathology: Stuttering
• Neuro-cognitive Language Disorders
• Introduction to Graduate Research
• Voice Disorders

Besides in-school courses, you take a combination of clinical practicum and externships to gain field experience.

The outcome for the University of Florida’s graduates is strong. During the past two years, 100% of graduates taking the praxis passed! And almost every graduate found employment within three years of graduation.

If you want to attend an excellent school with promising outcomes, look no further than the University of Florida. 

This Master’s of Arts Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders has academic accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

University of Wisconsin- Madison

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Are you ready to finish up your 20 or so years of schooling and move into the real world? If so, we don’t blame you. But you should make sure you end strong, and you could hardly finish at a better place than the University of Wisconsin.

The school offers a fantastic Master of Science in speech-language pathology with two emphasis areas:

• speech-language and normal aspects of speech
• language, and hearing

This master’s program is a clinical degree that requires coursework and field experience. To join the program, you should have:

• A 3.0 or higher undergraduate degree GPA
• Three letters of recommendation
• An updated resume
• An  application essay

Note that your bachelor’s degree must be in speech therapy or a related field. If not, you should have at least taken the nine SLP-related classes listed on the program website.

Students in this speech pathology program take excellent courses that prepare them for equally fantastic careers. Some of these classes in this speech pathology program are:

• Acquired Language & Cognitive-Communication Disorders in Adults
• Sign Language
• Neural Mechanisms of Speech, Hearing, and Language

the Ohio State University

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Do you want to attend a school known equally for its outstanding programs, student life, and sports teams?

If so, you can’t do much better than Ohio State University’s Master of Arts in speech-language pathology. In this master of arts program, you can choose one of four specializations:

• Singing Health
• Disability Services
• Applied Developmental Sciences in Education

Besides specialization courses, you take core classes like:

• The SLP’s Role in Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Seminar in Fluency Disorders

These classes will give you the knowledge and clinical competence to work with all demographics in a clinical setting. You will, however, gain a focus through your experience in several clinical seminars.

Does this speech pathology program sound like a match for you? Let’s make sure you meet the requirements.

Admitted students must have an undergraduate degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA, though most admitted students have a 3.7 GPA or higher. Students must also:

• submit letters of recommendation
• (optional) GRE scores
• short essays
• proved preparedness to begin the program

University of Arizona

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program

Do you want to finish your studies and work in the Grand Canyon State? If you do, consider the University of Arizona’s Master of Science in speech-language pathology program.

To gain admission to this program, you should have a 3.0 or higher undergraduate degree GPA, GRE scores in the 30th percentile or higher, three letters of recommendation, and GRE scores.

The University of Arizona’s Master of Science in speech-language pathology stands out because it offers a three-year program for students who didn’t major in a related study.

In the three-year program, you spend your first year completing prerequisite coursework like Phonetics, Language Acquisition, and Communication Disorders. Then, you begin your second year like any other student admitted to the two-year program.

In this top speech pathology graduate program, you will take core courses like:

• Developmental Language Disorders
• Preclinical Speech Science
• Language Disorders in School-Age Children

Students of this speech language pathology program supplement their education with several clinical practicums that expose them to the field and test their ability to become an SLP.

University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign

Master of Arts in Speech and Hearing Science Program

The ability to speak and hear are gifts, and they should be treated as such. Unfortunately, not everybody was born with these gifts, and not everybody dies with them.

Through the University of Illinois’s Master of Arts in speech and hearing sciences program, you will learn how to help people:

• recover from their communication disorders

UIUC offers both a clinical and non-clinical track of this program.

To apply to this best SLP program, you need:

• A completed bachelor’s degree in a related field with a 3.0 or higher GPA
• GRE results
• Two or more letters of recommendation
• A personal statement
• A  resume

While these requirements aren’t as strict as other programs on this list, you should still take every component of the application process seriously. 

Graduate students complete a variety of advanced classes in the speech and hearing sciences program. Some of the courses are:

• Stuttering: Theory & Practice, Aphasia and Related Disorders
• Clinical Sociolinguistics
• Advanced Language Diagnostics

Students also enroll in over 100 hours of clinical work. Program graduates from this Master’s in speech and hearing sciences must have a 3.0 or higher GPA.

University of Minnesota- Twin Cities

As far as the best graduate schools go, you’ll never go wrong by choosing the school nearest to you as long as it’s one of the best 30 or 50 schools in the nation.

If you live in or near Minnesota, you’ll be more than pleased with the University of Minnesota’s Master of Arts in speech-language pathology. 

This graduate program emphasizes:

• evidence-based practices
• the ethics of a medical practitioner
• the nuanced understanding of speech-language communication conditions

Applying graduate students should have taken the following prerequisite coursework prior to admission:

• Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech & Hearing Mechanisms
• Phonetics, Speech Science
• Rehabilitative Audiology

Career outcomes for program graduates are strong. Of note, 100% of graduates have passed the Praxis exam and found employment in the SLP field within one year of graduating.

If you want to take an excellent program with an emphasis on clinical studies, be sure to consider applying to one of the best speech language pathology programs at the University of Minnesota.

University of Iowa

As an SLP, do you want to work with children in schools? Or would you rather work with people fighting debilitating diseases in a nursing home?

No matter your choice, or whether you know yet, the University of Iowa’s Master of Arts in speech-language pathology program will get you where you want to go.

The University of Iowa’s top SLP program is one of the most selective programs on this list. To gain admission, you should have:

• A 3.4 undergraduate GPA or higher
• Verbal GRE scores over the 40th percentile
• Quantitative GRE scores anywhere over the 40th percentile

These requirements are the bare minimum—the average applicant exceeds each of those numbers.

Like other SLP programs, students combine on-campus classes with supervised clinical practice.

Some courses you will complete are:

• Intro to Stuttering Disorders
• Manual Communication
• Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
• Neurogenic Disorders of Speech and Swallowing.

You must also complete two eight-week outplacement experiences and three practicums. Iowa’s master’s in speech language pathology is offered both with and without a thesis.

University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill

Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences

The University of North Carolina’s Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences program is one of the best of its kind.

The 60-credit curriculum blends foundational studies, recent research, and on-the-ground experiences in local speech therapy work environments. Students who don’t wish to become ASHA certified can choose a non-clinical practice track of the program.

The average profile of an admitted student is as follows:

• A vast range of life experience
• GRE scores in at least the 70th percentile
• Extensive extracurricular activities
• Completed prerequisite courses

While you can still gain admittance without meeting all of these standards, you’ll have to focus on:

• the quality of your resume
• purpose statement
• letters of recommendation

The University of North Carolina offers an excellent opportunity for bilingual students to gain clinical experiences in Spanish-speaking environments. Alongside their master’s degree, students can work toward a certificate in Latin American studies to prove their ability to work in Spanish-speaking settings.

University of Maryland- College Park

The University of Maryland’s Master of Arts Program in speech-language pathology is a fantastic program offering:

• world-renowned faculty
• top-of-the-line classes
• links to outstanding clinical facilities

One hundred percent of graduates from the University of Maryland have passed the ASHA Praxis exam. Also, 95% have found employment within a year of graduation!

• official transcripts
• a personal statement
• $75 non-refundable application fee

At the University of Maryland, you will complete classes like:

• Language Disorders in School-Age
• Alternative & Augmentative Communication
• Foundations of Scientific Enquiry
• Bilingual Assessment & Intervention

These core courses orient students to the latest research and foundational topics in speech therapy.

As an SLP major in this advanced degree, you can choose clinical experiences from the following places:

• The Language-Learning Early-Advantage Program, an acclaimed preschool
• Avoidance Reduction Group Therapy
• The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills

Each of these state-of-the-art facilities offers students insight into the latest practices in speech therapy. 

University of Texas at Austin

Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science

The University of Texas offers an excellent five-semester Master of Science in speech, language, and hearing science program.

The 57-60 credit hour SLP graduate program :

• imparts critical knowledge to students
• puts them in the field for in-person experience
• prepares them for a lifelong career as a speech therapist

One unique aspect of the University of Texas program is the availability of a bilingual and multicultural certificate, which focuses on Spanish-speaking populations. Spanish is the second language of most states around America, and many primarily Spanish speakers struggle with communication disorders, too. With this certificate, you’ll gain the language and cultural knowledge required to work with those populations.

Some graduate courses are:

• Knowledge & Skills in Clinical Science
• School-Age Language Disorders
• Acquired Cognitive Communication Disorders.

Like other best speech language pathology programs, you must also work for at least 375 hours in the field. You can split these hours between adults and children, and between patients who cope with several types of communication disorders.

University of Utah

Students enrolled in the University of Utah’s Master of Science in speech-language pathology program can choose between either a thesis or a non-thesis option. If you want to join the thesis option, the university expects you to have a rough outline of the thesis before beginning the program.

The program lasts five semesters, which can take anywhere from nearly two years to over five years, depending on your time availability and speed.

This SLP program requires 55 credit hours of work. Nineteen of those credit hours are spent in clinical practicums, which require you to observe SLPs and perform as an SLP in different contexts.

The University of Utah requires all students to enroll in at least two full-time externships. The first externship must be completed in a public or private school. The second externship may be completed in a location of the student’s choosing.

The other 36 credits are spent in class, taking speech language pathology courses like:

• Motor Speech Disorders
• Fluency Disorders
• Swallowing Disability and Medical Management Issues

These classes will give you the background required for your practicums, externships, and career as an SLP.

Indiana University- Bloomington

Your studies are almost over, and your career has nearly begun. That’s exciting! But you want to make sure that you take your master’s degree seriously, no matter how close you are to the finish line.

 Indiana University Bloomington’s Master of Arts in speech-language pathology is one of the best programs in the nation. It’s an excellent place to finish your studies. 

Of note, Indiana University Bloomington offers a Bilingual Track (Spanish-English) in Speech-Language Pathology. This track is a great idea for any student who already speaks Spanish, or who wants to learn the language to engage with a greater populace and more cultures. 

The speech language pathology program is designed to last around two years, no matter whether your undergraduate degree is in speech therapy or an entirely different field.

After finishing this program, graduates have found great success: 100% of the program’s graduates passed the Praxis exam and found employment within one year of graduating.

Arizona State University- Tempe

Master of Science in Communication Disorders

Arizona State University has one of the largest student bodies of any university in the world.

As such, they cater to each of their many students, offering a vast range of degree programs.

Within each program, the university emphasizes quality in addition to quantity. And Arizona State University’s Master of Science in communication sciences and disorders is no exception to this rule.

Besides the normal full-time program, ASU students can choose from three program options. In the part-time employment program, you can finish the program part-time while working in public schools. The multilingual/multicultural program is for students who want to work with patients from diverse backgrounds.

Of note, this program grants accepted students a partial tuition waiver. Finally, the East Carolina University/Arizona State University joint program allows students to take online courses through ECU and clinical studies through ASU.

Students in ASU’s communication disorders program take classes like:

• Special Populations & Syndromes
•  Motor Speech Disorders
• Neural Bases of Communication Disorders

These classes will give you the foundation to build a strong career in the SLP field. 

University at Buffalo

Master’s of Arts in Communicative Disorders and Sciences

The University of Buffalo is one of the leading research universities in the United States.

Here you can earn a Master’s of Arts in communicative disorders and sciences that will get you to your goal as a speech language pathologist. 

Most students complete this program in four semesters and one summer semester. Additionally, you can pursue the thesis or non-thesis option.

You will take at least 40 credit hours in communicative disorders and sciences, not including clinical practicum. You will receive at least two externship placements, each full-time positions for eight weeks. The real world experience required in this program is a perk! Students graduate ready to start their careers as SLPs.

Along with rigorous coursework and real world experience, you have plenty of research opportunities. For example, some students pursue research projects in speech perception, motor speech disorders, or child language disorders.

You must maintain a 3.0 during the course of the program.

Florida State University

Master of Science in Communication Science & Disorders

Another ranking from Florida, Florida State University’s Master of Science in communication science & disorders is about as good as it gets.

Students complete the program in small cohorts. This adds a level of familiarity, camaraderie, and community to the program.

Applying students must have:

• a 3.0 or higher from an accredited university
• a statement of intent

You will take a combination of:

• core courses
• elective classes
• clinical coursework
• clinical practicum courses

Some core and elective classes are:

• Speech and Swallowing Disorders
• Developmental Communication Disorders
• Advanced Aural Rehabilitation

Besides on-campus courses, you must take part in clinical practicum for 23 credits. 

At Florida State University, students are graced by the presence of accomplished faculty members. Some of them are professors in the field, while others are experienced SLPs who have developed the desire and ability to educate aspiring speech language pathologists.

University of Georgia

Master of Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The University of Georgia’s Master of Education in communication sciences and disorders is a non-thesis program. The program emphasizes clinical experience over research, and preparation for the profession over scholarly study.

 If you want to break into the SLP profession as a trained graduate, this school is for you.

Students enroll in the summer semester, and if they complete their studies and clinical practices on-time, they can graduate after their second spring semester.

Some classes students in this Communication Sciences and Disorders program take are:

• Multicultural Issues in SLP, Language Assessment and Intervention – Preschool Children
• Neurogenic Speech Disorders
• Neurobiology of Communication

Students also take part in clinical experiences and mini-internships. 

These experiences encourage students to observe and take part in the SLP profession in different contexts, like schools and hospitals. That way, students can have an idea of the type of SLP work they want to do post-graduation and will have clinical competence.

University of Kansas

Do you live near Kansas? Are you interested in earning a Master of Arts in speech-language pathology at an excellent institution near you? 

If so, look no further.

The University of Kansas’s SLP master’s program holds a light to the best institutions in the nation. You can’t go wrong by choosing this best speech pathology grad school with:

• accomplished faculty members
• excellent classes
• focused clinical work

Interested? To apply, you must have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Admitted students have an average undergraduate GPA of 3.85.

Besides that, students need:

• 25 hours of clinical practice experience
• a purpose statement

Students aren’t required to have majored in an SLP-related field, but they must finish prerequisite courses before the program technically begins.

Students in this program learn the following classes:

• Multicultural Considerations in Speech-Language-Hearing
• Professional Issues
• Evaluation of Speech and Language
• Advanced Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology

Like all other top speech pathology master’s programs, you will spend months in clinical internships.

University of South Florida- Main Campus

The University of South Florida has one of the best Master of Science in speech-language pathology programs in the nation. It is also one of the top five school options for students living in the Southeast region of the country.

This top speech pathology program lasts six semesters and combines clinical experience with on-campus academic studies.

Students at this school aren’t required to have received a bachelor’s degree in a similar area. If you don’t, though, you will have to take around one year of prerequisite courses before the master’s program technically begins. Then, you will be enrolled, taking a combination of:

• core classes
• elective courses
• clinical experience

Unique to the University of South Florida, the Suncoast Consortium Track is an excellent option for people who have graduated from a bachelor’s degree program and now work directly with speech-language pathologists.

In this speech language pathology program, you will take nine semesters of online and in-person classes as you continue their work as SLP assistants or paraprofessionals.

University of Virginia- Main Campus

The University of Virginia is one of the best public universities in the United States and around the world. Its graduates have become leaders in many fields, including speech-language pathology.

The University of Virginia’s Master of Education in communication sciences and disorders is an excellent option for anybody who wishes to become a clinical SLP professional.

Students at the University of Virginia take excellent classes like:

• Prevention, Assessment, and Intervention
• Disorders of Phonology and Articulation
• Disorders of Communication Based in Cognitive Dysfunction: Adults

This speech language pathology program lasts two years, and it combines classroom learning with clinical experience.

This Communication Sciences and Disorders program will give you the speech language pathology credential needed for a successful career.

This program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

The University of Virginia has an option for students who didn’t graduate with a bachelor’s degree in a related field. This track follows the two-year master’s degree program, but it adds a year for students to complete required prerequisite work.

The school accepts around 27 students per year, making this program very selective. If you want to gain admittance, be sure that you’re presenting yourself in the best possible way on your application.

University of Connecticut

Do you want to join the highly esteemed Master of Arts in speech-language pathology at the University of Connecticut?

Applying students should have:

• three letters of reference
• two essay forms
• an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (the average GPA of accepted students is 3.7)

GRE scores aren’t required, but a good GRE score is worth reporting on the application. 

You must record 25 hours of clinical observation before being accepted into the program. Clinical observation and experience is a central component of any SLP program. It’s the central point of any SLP’s career.

At UConn, you will continue your clinical experience until you meet licensure requirements.

So how much clinical experience does it take?

At UConn, students must record 400 hours of clinical practicum. Of these 400 hours, 375 must be in direct work with patients. Twenty-five hours must be spent observing professional SLPs. Students will spend a full summer in clinical work. They will also spend time throughout the regular school year gaining clinical experience.

Temple University

Master of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science

Hands-on learners will love Temple University’s Master of Arts in speech, language, and hearing science.

While every top speech pathology program includes clinical experience in its curriculum, Temple emphasizes it. The faculty finds that students learn quickest when knowledge is applied, and if you believe that statement, you should consider Temple University. 

Temple University is proud to have over 80 clinical affiliates in Pennsylvania. Through all of these connections, you will have excellent clinical experiences in:

• private practices
• nursing homes
• universities

Students in the speech, language, and hearing science program also have the option to perform supervised research on the Temple campus.

This master’s program lasts two years, including two summers, for students who have completed the prerequisite classes. For students who didn’t major in a related field, they can spend a year taking prerequisite classes at Temple University before officially enrolling in the two-year master’s program.

Students can also write a thesis, but it isn’t required. 

University of Pittsburg- Pittsburg Campus

By far the best SLP program in Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh’s Master of Science in speech-language pathology is also ranked #3 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

To have a good chance of gaining admission into this very selective program, you should have:

• a 3.5 or higher GPA
• submit GRE scores

The University of Pittsburgh’s curriculum comprises 60 credits of traditional classes and field experiences. Some courses you will take are:

• Neurogenic Language and Cognitive Communication Disorders
• Child Language Disorders

These classes will help you build an understanding so you’re never short of knowledge when you become a licensed speech language pathologist. 

There are four required clinical practicums:

• Clinic Practicum in Audiology
• Clinic Practicum in SLP – Network
• Clinic Practicum in SLP – Outplacement
• Practicum in Schools

These experiences will help you adjust to a career as an SLP and provide you hundreds of hours of the required clinical experience to become an SLP.

• San Diego State University

Master of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

All of the programs on this list are excellent, but not all of them provide you the opportunity to study a few miles from the ocean.

San Diego State University’s location is fantastic, but so is its Master of Arts in speech, language, and hearing sciences program.

To gain admission, you must have a 3.2 or higher GPA and GRE scores. Note that the average GPA of incoming students is around 3.8.

The standard program includes two years of study and clinical experience, including the summer between the first and second years. In this time, you enroll in courses like:

• Clinical Issues in Aural Rehabilitation
• Speech-Language Screening of Children
• Research Methods in Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Acquired Neuromotor Speech Disorders

Besides on-campus studies, you must:

• complete clinical practice in a public school
• participate in a few research studies
• complete a project or a thesis

At SDSU you can also choose the option to specialize in bilingualism. 

University of Nebraska- Lincoln

It’s no secret that the speech-language pathology field is booming right now. There are more jobs than ever before. There still aren’t enough SLPs to cover all of the patients in need.

If you want to join the ranks, consider finishing your studies at the University of Nebraska. The university’s Master of Science in speech-language pathology program consistently ranks in the top 10% of graduate programs nationwide. 

The average cumulative GPA of admitted students hovers around 3.83 out of 4.0, and GRE scores are in the 50th percentile or higher. The university is very selective, but as the statistics show, the admissions department values your grades more than your test scores.

Additionally, you can prove yourself with:

• a diverse resume
• excellent letters of recommendation
• a poignant purpose statement

Around 98% of Nebraska students complete the master’s program on-time. One hundred percent of them pass the Praxis test, and around 93% of graduates find employment within one year of graduating. 

Michigan State University

Master of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

Go Green, Go White!

Well, sports fan or not, any aspiring SLP will be enamored with Michigan State University’s Master of Arts program in communicative sciences and disorders.

The faculty is great. The classes are carefully designed and taught.

Additionally, Michigan State University has connected to over 100 facilities near Lansing. Students can complete required clinical hours in these facilities, and exceed those hours if they wish to do so.

As a student in this top speech pathology program, you will take the following classes:

• Research Methods in Communicative Sciences and Disorders
• Autism and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Acquired Language Disorders
• Assessment and Treatment of Dysphagia

These classes are invaluable to your future as a licensed SLP.

You can take an optional thesis track. Those who choose not to write a thesis have to take six additional credits in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Additionally, they must pass a final examination to graduate from Michigan State University’s program.

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Are you a resident of the Pelican State, and are you pretty sure that you don’t want to leave?

Or do you live elsewhere, but you’re pretty sure you want to live in Louisiana?

If either of these statements apply, check out Louisiana State University’s Master of Arts program in speech-language pathology. LSU is among the best colleges for speech pathology.

This speech language pathology program stands out for a few reasons.

First, each of the master-level classes is taught by educators who hold Ph.D. degrees, which isn’t standard for SLP programs.

Second, the university has affiliate agreements with dozens of top-of-the-line facilities for SLP professionals and students in SLP programs.

Lastly, students in this program have access to leading faculty and research from related LSU programs. Through these connections, students can expand their studies and network.

As a SLP graduate student in this program, you can choose between a thesis and non-thesis track. Either way, you must complete 39 credit hours of courses to graduate from the program.

University of Colorado- Boulder

Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology

Boulder, Colorado is recognizable by:

• the famous Flatirons
• a bohemian scene
• access to beautiful nature
• a world-famous university

The University of Colorado Boulder’s master’s degree in speech-language pathology is an excellent option for aspiring SLPs who are also nature lovers and Colorado residents.

There are three options within CU Boulder’s SLP program.

The first is for those who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Those students will take two years of classes and clinical experiences before completing the degree. Some courses students take are:

• Resonance Disorders
• Development and Intervention in Childhood Hearing Loss

The second option is for those who didn’t have an undergraduate major related to speech-language pathology. For these students, the last two years are the same as the first option. The difference is that students must spend a year taking prerequisite courses like:

• Hearing Science
• Audiological Evaluation

The final track is for those who want to complete a thesis. Those students will be more focused on research than on clinical work.

University of Texas- Dallas

Are you ready to finish your last stretch of studies before becoming a speech therapist?

And the University of Texas at Dallas is one of the best universities for you to complete your studies. The school has a fantastic Master of Science in speech-language pathology program. It combines excellent classes and the clinical training required to gain licensure.

While some schools separate coursework from clinical studies and internships, this program requires students to enroll in clinical studies or an internship during each term of the program.

Students can join the program during the fall, spring, or summer semesters, providing flexibility to all applicants. 

Students at this school take the following core courses:

• Assessment and Intervention of Language Impairments in Preschool and School-Age Children
• Neurogenic Communication Disorders

These courses will prepare you to work with patients of all ages who deal with all types of communication disorders.

Academic accreditation comes from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Other Notable Programs

• Loma Linda University School

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for speech pathologists will increase 19% over the next 10 years. About 13,200 new job openings will result each year, on average, through 2032. With an aging baby-boom population, the need for speech-language pathologists is on the rise.

You will need both a bachelor’s and master’s degree to work in the field. The best degrees to get are in speech pathology because these programs give you specific knowledge and understanding of the career. Many speech pathology programs also offer concentrations in autism disorders, fluency, or swallowing disorders which allow you to tailor your degree to meet career goals.

Yes, but it depends on where you work and how much experience you have. Right out of school, speech-language pathologists earn good pay. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average pay of $84,140/year. But the highest 10% of earners in this occupation make $126,680/year on average. SLPs in nursing and residential care facilities make $101,320/year, on average.

Tips for increasing your chances of getting into Speech-Language Pathology school include: • Get a high undergraduate GPA • Earn the right undergraduate degree • Complete the GRE • Plan your letters of recommendation carefully • Write a meaningful personal statement • Showcase your volunteer and leadership experience • Choose the right program • Apply to multiple programs

A Master’s in Speech Pathology takes about two to three years to complete. Most programs include coursework in communication disorders, anatomy, and clinical practice. Some part time programs are available and take between 3 and 4 years to complete.

Admission to a speech pathology graduate school and program requires a minimum 3.00 grade point average. Top-ranked schools may require a higher GPA for admission. Since programs are competitive, it is important to have the highest GPA you can.

Earning a Master’s in Speech Pathology can be challenging for some students. The program includes in-depth study of communication disorders, clinical practice, and research. Students need a solid grasp of linguistics, anatomy, and therapeutic techniques. The clinical component demands hands-on skills and requires time and effort.

They are basically the same thing. They are both experts in communication that assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, voice, and related disorders in patients from birth to old age. Speech-language pathology is the more accepted and appropriate term for a speech therapist.

Speech pathology involves minimal math compared to fields like finance or engineering. While you use basic arithmetic for tasks such as budgeting or data analysis, the core focus is on communication disorders, language development, and therapeutic techniques. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are very important in this field.

Speech therapists experience stress due to caseload demands, client progress expectations, and administrative tasks. But the reward of helping clients communicate effectively can offset stress. Effective time management and self-care practices can contribute to a balanced and fulfilling career.

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25 Best Master's in Speech Pathology Schools 2020

These are the best 25 schools that offer a master's degree in speech pathology, based on median salary one year after graduation. University of the Pacific is ranked #1 with a median starting salary of $69,800. Graduates of the speech-language pathology program at California State University-Fresno had the lowest median debt, amounting to $28,071. Median salaries for the top 25 schools range from $61,900-$69,800.

Tuition, median salaries, and median debt were reported by the U.S. Department of Education in November 2019. View our methodology for more details about these rankings or read more about the top-ranked schools .

GradReports has over 200 partner colleges that advertise on our site. Search results include only our partner colleges, which are marked with the word "Ad." Learn more about how we make money.

2020 Best Colleges Highlights

California state university - fullerton.

California State University, Fullerton’s Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program provides the foundation for a career as a speech-language pathologist. The program offers a curriculum in all areas of communication disorders, such as multicultural issues, autism, augmentative and alternative communication, in addition to elective courses such as communication and aging, counseling skills in communication disorders, and advanced neurological and cognitive disorders.

The CSD program consists of 30 credits total, which combines 24 required credits and 6 elective credits. Examples of required courses are Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders; Neurologic and Clinical Aspects of Speech, Language, and Cognition; and Seminar in Child Language Disorders. Comprehensive exams are required for 10 areas throughout the course of the program.

The program distinguishes itself by highlighting its community-based professional connections. In addition to the campus' Speech and Hearing Clinic, there is an off-campus clinical program for graduate students that offers opportunities for teaching, service, and research experiences in over thirty hospitals, clinics, rehabilitative agencies, schools, and private practices. Campus-based clinics offer the following areas in which students can complete supervised practicum: child, adult, audiology, aural rehabilitation, multicultural, school, and medical setting.

California State University, Fullerton’s main campus is 241 acres and is surrounded by suburban neighborhoods and other educational institutions. It was founded in 1957, and incorporated into the California State University system in 1972.

Visit California State University-Fullerton's website .

San Diego State University

San Diego State University offers a Master of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with one concentration: clinical Speech-Language Pathology. The program begins each Fall term, and the curriculum is completed over five semesters. The clinical Speech-Language Pathology concentration is full-time and intensive, taking two academic years to complete. Students must complete a minimum of 45 academic credits and 19 clinical practicum credits, in addition to either a thesis or a written comprehensive examination.

The M.A. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences has a clinical focus and may be used to satisfy preparation for the following credentials: the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA); the Speech-Language Pathology Credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing; and licensure from the State of California.

This concentration is designed to provide students with the opportunity to complete coursework in all of the following areas: articulation, fluency, voice and resonance, receptive and expressive language, hearing, swallowing, cognitive and social aspects of communication, and augmentative and alternative communication modalities. The curriculum includes courses like Research Methods in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Voice, Resonance, and Fluency Disorders, Diagnostic Methods in Speech-Language Pathology, Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology, and Clinical Practice in Public Schools.

This program also offers the option to specialize in bilingualism for students able to pass a language proficiency test in a language other than English. Students accepted to this specialization are eligible for the Certificate in Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology, designed for graduates planning to work with bilingual Spanish-English speakers.

San Diego State University was founded in 1897 as a training school for elementary school teachers. It expanded through the 1900s and was integrated into the California State University system in 1960. The school’s main campus is located within 15 minutes of downtown San Diego, California.

Visit San Diego State University's website .

The Top Speech Pathology Programs

The Best Accredited SLP Master’s Programs

There’s a lot to accomplish before you can call yourself a speech-language pathologist and tag those credentials on at the end of your name… and it all starts with your speech pathology master’s degree .

Everybody knows you need to choose a program that’s been accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), the accrediting arm of ASHA. You can be sure any program that’s earned that CAA stamp of approval meets ASHA’s exacting standards.

But we’ve been talking to prospective SLP grad students at that critical stage when they start seriously considering their options, and what we’ve discovered is that they want to know quite a bit more before making a decision.

Today’s savvy grad students understand that an advanced degree is an investment in the future, and they’re doing their due diligence to make sure it’s a sound one. If only you could find everything you need in one place so you could make a meaningful side-by-side comparison of all these CAA-accredited programs – things like Praxis exam pass rates and employment rates among graduates, program completion rates, info on the kinds of practicums the program offers… and, of course, cost.

• Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
• Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
• NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
• Calvin University - Calvin University's Online Speech and Hearing Foundations Certificate - Helps You Gain a Strong Foundation for Your Speech-Language Pathology Career.
• George Mason University - George Mason University's Graduate Programs in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Applied Behavior Analysis. - Prepares you for a rewarding career as a Speech and Language Pathologist.

The good news is that CAA requires schools to post student achievement data … and the better news is that SpeechPathologyGraduatePrograms.org has collated this data and put it all in one place. But what we did with that data is the interesting part…

How We Made Our Assessment

We looked at the 240+ accredited programs that made student outcome data available and…

• Identified Praxis exam pass rates, on-time completion rates and employment rates posted on each school’s website
• Found the average annual tuition cost for graduate programs at each school by looking at the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics
• Developed a formula for grading these programs, giving weight to both student outcomes and comparative cost

We went to great lengths to make sure we made a fair and accurate assessment of every program we looked at…

Cost and affordability – We started by finding the average yearly tuition for schools offering SLP grad programs in each state, looking at the cost of state and private universities separately. This means that our cost assessment is always based on a comparison of tuition rates for either public or private schools within a given state, not just some arbitrary review of which school offers the lowest cost program. This ensured we made an apples to apples comparison.

We also gave a nod to schools that offer comparable tuition rates to students regardless of residency status, something we feel is worth considering as more grad students shop for programs from throughout the country and more international students come to the U.S. for their graduate work. Some public universities are even beginning to offer grad programs at in-state rates regardless of residency status as a way to attract students and remain competitive.

On our 100-point scoring scale, cost and affordability represents 30 possible points.

Student achievement – Praxis exam pass rates, on-time completion rates, and employment rates speak for themselves and represent the most concrete metric available for assessing the quality of a program. CAA requires schools to post student outcomes for the three most recent years – so we made our assessment based on the 3-year average for each of the student achievement categories: percentage of students graduating on time … percentage of graduates that pass the Praxis exam …. percentage of those that go on to land jobs immediately afterward.

Student achievement is worth a total of 70 points on our 100-point scoring scale, with 30 possible points for Praxis exam pass rates, 30 possible points for employment rate, and 10 possible points for on-time completion.

Want to know more about our scoring system? Take a look at this .

We identified more than 100 programs that scored 80 points (B-) or better, and we think they deserve some recognition. So here you have it, our 2022 list of the best accredited master’s programs in SLP and Communication Sciences and Disorders available in the U.S.

This list features programs that our editorial staff hand selected to present as top recommendations. We believe the many aspects of a program that come together to create an exceptional student experience can’t be reduced to numbers alone, so no formula was used to attempt to score or rank these programs. Instead, they represent our top picks based on a thoughtful review of the things we know mean the most to students. Each one of these programs offers something unique, and all come equally highly recommended. We stand behind the principal of editorial integrity and make these recommendations independently and without compensation.

Arkansas State University Communication Disorders Department Jonesboro, AR Website

Master of Communication Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 70/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 100 – A+

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 26
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $5,918 (All students who maintain a 3.0 minimum GPA pay this in-state rate regardless of residency status); $10,544 (for out-of-state students with a GPA below 3.0)

Arkansas State gets top marks across the board for Praxis exam pass rates, on-time program completion, and job placement rates among graduates—100 percent in all categories. Graduates rave about their experiences in the program, including the in-depth, hands-on practical training at the on-campus A-State Speech and Hearing Center, which offers free diagnostic and therapy services to local patients dealing with issues related to speech and swallowing. We don’t know of any other school out there that offers the same in-state tuition rate to all students who maintain a 3.0 minimum GPA. That’s right— as long as you keep your GPA up, even as an out-of-state student you’ll pay the in-state rate without having to meet residency requirements!

Marywood University Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Department Scranton, PA Website

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Total Overall Score = 100 – A+

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 20
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $10,715

Marywood’s tuition is among the most attractive of any school on our list, which is all the more impressive considering the pedigree of this private university. Marywood is also an excellent choice for continuity in education. Sure, you can enter the master’s program as a regular grad student, but the school also offers the MS in SLP as part of a combined 5-year program that includes a 3-year pre-professional track in which undergrads first earn a bachelor’s degree before transitioning to the graduate program. As a student entering as an undergrad, you would stay with the same cohort for the entire program, something that would allow you to forge strong bonds that could last throughout your career. Add to that the fact that Marywood earns perfect marks for student achievement and it’s clear this school earns an easy A+.

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville, TN Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 24
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $44,934

As one of the premier private research universities in the country, Vanderbilt doesn’t really need much of an introduction. Vanderbilt’s SLP master’s program is a hidden gem in the heart of this Nashville institution, and it shouldn’t be overlooked. In addition to superlative student achievement statistics, some of the great strengths of the Vanderbilt program are the variety of clinical training venues available to graduate students. The Vanderbilt hospital system has specialized venues for otolaryngology and pediatric treatment as well as the usual array of healthcare programs, any of which can support clinical or research externships. This gives students a wide selection of specialty training opportunities, which are further complemented by dedicated training tracks and elective courses that focus on areas like autism or feeding and swallowing disorders.

Bloomsburg University Bloomsburg, PA Website

Student Achievement Score: 67.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score:  30/30

Total Overall Score = 97.5 – A

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98.8%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 29
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $14,165 (in-state), $17,400 (out-of-state)

The MS in Speech-Language Pathology program through Bloomsburg University has held ASHA-CAA accreditation for more than 25 years and has recently renewed its accreditation status to run through 2020. There are a variety of courses offered through this program that allow students to focus their grad program on particular areas like Voice Disorders, Craniofacial Disorders, and Motor Speech Disorders. Students rave about their Clinical Instrumentation in Speech Pathology course, which provides students with hands-on experience with videostroboscopy and nasometry.

Calvin College Speech Pathology and Audiology Department Grand Rapids, MI Website

Master of Arts in Speech Pathology

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 99%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 28
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $34,344

This Christian school takes instruction in the healing arts seriously. Their pass, completion, and graduate employment rates all come out near the top of the stack, leaving them with a high A rating in our scoring system. But although their academic programs are strong, Calvin College’s real strengths lie in their students. As a liberal arts college, Calvin provides a breadth of experience and education that is second to none. The school has a particularly strong chapter of the National Student Speech, Language, and Hearing Association and strong ties with veteran’s programs and other off-site facilities that offer SLP externships. Participation in off-campus programs is strongly encouraged, such as assisting with the IDIS W11 Adoption and Foster Care program for Chinese children. Students of this program travel to China for an opportunity to both learn and serve by assisting with special needs children, a type of practical experience in both life and SLP that few other programs can match.

Duquesne University Rangos School of Health Sciences Pittsburgh, PA Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 96%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $22,212

Duquesne offers a five-year accelerated program that guarantees both a bachelor and master’s degree in SLP, offering the advantages of a fast-track with a stable cohort and instructors. But that’s only one reason to consider this private Catholic University. The school gets an A grade for high Praxis pass rates, high post-graduation employment rates, and solid on-time completion rates, all at a very affordable price for a respected private institution. The Rangos School of Health Sciences is one of the newest colleges at this nearly 150-year-old university and has state-of-the art research labs and facilities. The Speech Perception/Production & Innovative Technology Lab, for example, allows students and faculty to work with advanced software, including a number of tools for designing custom therapy materials.

East Stroudsburg University Communication Sciences and Disorders East Stroudsburg, PA Website

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 25
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $14,142 (in-state), $17,400 (out-of-state)

As a student of East Stroudsburg, you’ll enjoy access to the Speech & Hearing Center and placements at medical facilities and schools, both locally and across several states in the region. In fact, the school has affiliation agreements with more than 70 facilities in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. As a student here, you’ll also enjoy the distinguished status that comes with being part of an established program that’s been producing first rate speech-language pathologists for more than 50 years.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania Department of Communication Disorders, Special Education, and Disability Services Indiana, PA Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 95.3%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 23
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $14,515 (in-state), $17,400 (out-of-state)

We are big fans of Indiana University’s MS in SLP program because it offers the best in clinical experiences for students, something we’re sure must contribute to the 100% Praxis exam pass rate and 100% employment rate among graduates. In fact, all students here are supervised and mentored by faculty members right on-site in the Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic. We also love the fact that more than half of the students here receive graduate assistantships, which includes partial or full tuition remission and a stipend.

Minot State University Department of Communication Disorders Minot, ND Website

Master of Science in Communication Disorders: Speech-Language Pathology

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 96.3%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 22
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,240

This esteemed North Dakota public university easily earned a spot high on our list. A special destination, Minot State University is located in western North Dakota and is home to a superlative program in communication disorders, one of the largest in the Midwest. This program turns out a highly-recruited pool of graduates each year and boasts a completion rate of better than 96 percent. The program places students in externships throughout the U.S. and Canada, and has a 100 percent employment rate for graduates largely because most interns are offered full-time positions upon completion. MSU has the only Vocal Function Laboratory in the region and students score well above average on the Praxis exam. All of this comes at just over $8,000 a year in tuition (all students pay in-state tuition), a drop in the bucket compared to many of the schools on our list.

Northeastern University Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Boston, MA Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98.3%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 43
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $22,913

Northeastern is a private research university that has a strong tradition of practice-oriented education. The SLP Graduate Program, as part of the Bouvé College of Health Sciences, emphasizes teamwork and interdisciplinary approaches to providing therapy for communication disorders. The on-campus Speech, Language, and Hearing Center in the Behrakis Health Sciences Center offers state-of-the-art assistive technology and software for providing diagnostic, therapeutic, and clinical services. This active, hands-on approach, taught by internationally recognized instructors in one of the foremost centers for the study of communication disorders on the East Coast, is a key element to the program’s effectiveness. The school manages a 100 percent pass and job placement rates for graduates despite turning out cohorts of more than 40 students a year, double what many other programs handle.

University of Redlands Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Department Redlands, CA Website

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $20,272

This quiet, non-profit university located outside San Bernardino includes a gem of a speech-language pathology master’s program that gets an A rating on our ranking system. Affordable tuition combined with 100 percent Praxis exam and post-graduation employment rates make Redlands a solid choice for anyone looking for warm, collaborative educational opportunities in SLP. A regular speaker series keeps students and staff alike abreast of the latest developments in the field. In addition to the common accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, the program also meets requirements set down by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for Speech-Language Pathology Services.

University of Tulsa Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Department Tulsa, OK Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 17
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $22,720

The University of Tulsa SLP master’s program combines excellent Praxis exam pass rates with strong on-time completion rates and a 100 percent employment rate among graduates to make it an excellent choice for students in the heartland. As a private research university, TU has a strong reputation for involving both graduates and undergraduates in research efforts. This means you’ll get a front row seat to cutting-edge exploration of SLP issues and therapies. Admission to the school is highly competitive and with good reason—it’s known for a high percentage of very successful students, with multiple awards of Fulbright, Rhodes, and Marshall scholarships among the student body in recent years.

St. Ambrose University Center for Communication and Social Development Davenport, IA Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98.7%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 25
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $16,300  

St. Ambrose is serious about getting students involved in hands-on clinical work as soon as possible. First-year students can expect to be out in the field dealing with real-world speech pathology issues at the university-run Rite Care Clinic, or at the Rock Island School District, where graduate students are paired with SLPs in three local schools. A number of other local opportunities are also available, ensuring you get the full picture of what it’s like to work professionally in SLP right from the start. The experience pays off—St. Ambrose students enjoy a 100 percent pass rate on the national standard Praxis exam and a 100% employment rate after graduation. The program continues this commitment to excellence with an option to study abroad in Ecuador through an exchange program with the University of Cuenca, bringing additional cultural experience together with hands-on practice for a more well-rounded education.

Saint Xavier University Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Department Chicago, IL Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 95%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 37
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $15,550

Saint Xavier is a private, Roman Catholic university with a strong focus on academic rigor. It’s also an institution with a strong commitment to diversity, with one of the most diverse student bodies in the already diverse Chicago area, a factor that allows students from all backgrounds more opportunities to understand the cultural and linguistic factors that can effect the diagnosis and delivery of therapies for SLP issues. For hands-on clinical experience, the university partners with more than 250 schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities in the Chicago area, where students practice under the supervision of ASHA-certified instructors and providers.

Case Western Reserve University Department of Psychological Sciences Cleveland, OH Website

Master of Arts in Communication Sciences

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Total Overall Score = 95 – A

• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 96%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 9
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $42,610 (A 50% tuition waiver has been granted to all CSD grad students in the past 5 years, reducing the annual tuition students have paid to just $21,305.)

Case Western is a highly respected private university with a long history of cranking out Nobel laureates… 17 have graduated from or taught at the school since 1907, 8 of them in medicine. As part of that proud tradition, the communication sciences program focuses on turning out highly competent clinician researchers with integrity, high ethical standards, and ongoing intellectual curiosity. The school’s chapter of the National Student Speech, Language, and Hearing Association has achieved Bronze Status with that organization by working inside and outside the program to bring awareness to communication disorder issues. Co-located at the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center, the communication science graduate program here gives students first-hand access to real-world cases, tools, and techniques.

Emerson College Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Department Boston, MA Website

Master of Science in Communication Disorders

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 94.5%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 41
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $30,648
• No GRE Required for Entry

You can get a sense of just how dedicated Emerson College is to the art and science of speech and language when you consider that it was established in 1880 expressly as a school of oratory. The school has been focused on speech and language disorders for almost as long—the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders celebrated its 80 th anniversary in 2015. It’s no surprise, then, that the school awarded 41 master’s degrees in 2016, almost twice that of the average program, and still had a 100 percent Praxis exam pass rate. The CSD Department at Emerson has a record for finding every single one of its graduates a professional position they love. That sort of consistent, deep expertise and experience marks Emerson’s program as one of the best in the nation.

Our Lady of the Lake University School of Communication Sciences and Disorders San Antonio, TX Website

Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 92.3%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $16,206

For a small private university, Our Lady of the Lake has a big SLP program! The new Elizabeth Carrow-Woolfolk and Robert M. Woolfolk School of Communication Sciences and Disorders graduated 25 students in 2016, with a nearly 95 percent on-time completion rate. That number is even more impressive when considering that every single one of those students both passed the national standard Praxis exam and found professional positions in the field after graduation. Our Lady’s program also distinguishes itself by offering a bilingual SLP option, providing the knowledge and clinical skills required to offer assessment and intervention in both Spanish and English. This includes options for a Spanish-language clinical practicum and extra specialty coursework.

Abilene Christian University Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Department Abilene, TX Website

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Total Overall Score = 92.5 – A

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 99%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 23
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $19,980

ACU offers their master’s degree in SLP both at the Abilene campus and its satellite campus in Addison, near Dallas. The program is nationally recognized and you can expect clinical placements in Abilene or the Dallas/Fort Worth area. As a private Christian school, ACU does not neglect the spiritual tradition as it applies to therapy and healthcare, while also taking full advantage of modern technology. In 2008, the university was the first in the country to announce that it was providing free tablets to incoming students. The CSD department is also in the process of maximizing services available through its on-campus clinic, something that’s likely to offer you even more opportunities to regularly interact with patients in an actual clinic.

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Edinboro, PA Website

Master of Arts in Speech-Language and Pathology

• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 95%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 20
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,184 (in-state), $13,050 (out-of-state)

What’s not to love about Edinboro University’s MA in Speech-Language Pathology program? A 100% Praxis exam pass rate and a 95 percent employment rate among its recent graduates speaks to the quality of the program and its commitment to student success. Add to that small class sizes and affordable tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students, and it’s easy to see why Edinboro’s SLP program has earned a solid reputation for being a high quality program that delivers results.

Fontbonne University Communication Disorders and Deaf Education Department Saint Louis, MO Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 30
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $12,978

Founded as a Catholic women’s university in 1923, Fontbonne has gone co-ed and all-in on communication disorder education. Through the on-site, free, non-profit Eardley Family Clinic for Speech, Language, and Hearing, students have an opportunity to work with a broad spectrum of patients from around the St. Louis area with an equally broad spectrum of communication disorders. Students enjoy a focus on real-world clinical experience at Fontbonne through a program lead by internationally-recognized instructors. In fact, Dr. Susan Lenihan, professor and director of the university’s deaf education program, recently won the prestigious Branica Maxon Award for EHDI Excellence. The university has ties with more than 100 excellent externship facilities in the area that offer a range of focuses in different SLP practices. Two unique educational tracks are available through the program, for practice with deaf children and for working with adults with neurogenic communication disorders.

Gallaudet University Department of Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences Washington, DC Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 15
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $17,626  

From its founding in 1864, Gallaudet has been focused on the needs of the deaf and blind, so much so that even today it remains officially bilingual in ASL (American Sign Language) and English in all instructional programs. Establishing a strong program in SLP was a natural outgrowth for serving this population. Uniquely, Gallaudet was established as a private university by Congressional charter, and remains closely aligned with the Department of Education and Congress today—each graduate’s diploma is signed by the current president of the United States. Although it has a small student body, with fewer than 500 active post-graduates, and granted just 15 SLP master’s in 2016, entry is highly competitive. Gallaudet may be the only university in the country that requires SLP graduates to take courses in ASL and establish proficiency in working with deaf or hard-of-hearing adults and children.

Loma Linda University School of Allied Health Professions Loma Linda, CA Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 96.8%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 30
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $28,112

Loma Linda University’s MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program includes scheduling designed for working grad students: summer study during the first year, with graduate courses taught in the late afternoon/early evening. In the second year, students complete their practicum placements in schools and medical clinics in the community. We also really love the Clinic Bootcamp offered here, a unique program designed to prepare students to hit the ground running. About 90% of the courses in this program use a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) format in which students discuss a case in groups, independently research an aspect of the case, and bring their collective findings together to draw conclusions. The PBL method helps promote deep learning and clinical problem solving skills.

Loyola University Maryland Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences Columbia, MD Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 97.3%
• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 99%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 50
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $28,975

Loyola’s Department of Speech-Language Hearing Sciences turned out 50 SLP and audiology master’s graduates in 2016, a number that’s even more impressive when you consider the 100 percent Praxis exam pass rate they enjoyed and the fact that 99 percent of them found professional positions in the field after graduation. A private Jesuit school with a serious focus on academic rigor and hands-on experience, Loyola focuses on a holistic educational experience designed to foster personal, experiential and academic growth. That focus includes faculty mentorship for SLP grad students, ensuring that even in this large program each student gets individualized attention .

Mercy College School of Health and Natural Sciences Dobbs Ferry, NY Website

• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 45
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $15,776

Mercy is a private research university settled on sixty scenic acres alongside the Hudson River in Dobbs Ferry, New York. It offers a surprisingly affordable option with excellent outcomes for SLP master’s students: a 100 percent Praxis Exam pass rate among graduates, and completion and job placement rates of over 95 percent. Although the program is a large one, with 45 students graduating in 2016, each student has a faculty advisor that ensures they get individual attention during the program. In addition to the on-site speech and hearing clinic where all students participate in group research capstone projects with faculty mentorship, more than 150 facilities offer externship opportunities to SLP students at Mercy. Students here can also take advantage of priceless experience opportunities overseas. The non-profit foundation, Healing the Children, facilitates volunteer trips to Thailand, Peru, and Columbia where grad students get to work with kids with orofacial clefts who otherwise might never receive professional SLP services.

Minnesota State University – Mankato Department of Speech, Hearing, and Rehabilitation Services Mankato, MN Website

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 98.3%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,563

MSU – Mankato is the flagship school in the Minnesota public university system and dominates the small town 75 miles outside of Minneapolis. If you’re looking for a place in Minnesota to hunker down and focus on your studies, MSU – Mankato is the place for you. It’s certainly one of the most affordable schools on our list, with annual tuition and fees of less than $8,000. Nonetheless, it’s a solid academic choice, with Praxis exam pass rates and on-time completion rates of better than 98 percent. It’s also a good investment if you’re looking for a degree that will definitely get you a good job after graduation—100 percent of Mankato’s SLP graduates are placed in jobs they love.

Molloy College Communication Sciences and Disorders Department (CSD) Rockville Centre, NY Website

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 97%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $20,120

This small, private college on New York’s Long Island has been expanding its facilities lately, which gives you the opportunity to study in a small cohort in absolutely top-notch labs and classrooms. With a high student retention rate and solid value for the tuition, folks who go to Molloy tend to stick with it. Graduates from Molloy not only enjoy a 100 percent job placement rate, but they also rank highly among top income earners after graduation—a study by Georgetown University put Molloy at #17 in the nation for highly paid graduates. The SLP program is about more than just money, however. You’ll also have the opportunity to travel on medical missions to places like Jamaica to assist instructors in providing SLP services to patients who might otherwise never receive therapy.

Nazareth College Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Department Rochester, NY Website

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 99.2%
• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 97.9%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 46
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $21,330

Nazareth recently opened the York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute, doubling on-campus clinic space and increasing research opportunities for graduate students in SLP and other healthcare programs. Students have the opportunity to perform hands-on diagnostic and therapy work in such specialized venues as the Audiology/Auditory Processing Diagnostic Clinic, Neurogenic Communication and Cognition Clinic, Kids Club, Language and Literacy Clinic, and the Speech and Language Clinic. The school also offers specialized interdisciplinary programs in autism and deafness if you plan to enter either of those sub-specialties after graduation. These opportunities are complemented by a regular overseas program that sends students to Ethiopia to work with deaf children and young adults.

Rockhurst University Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Department Kansas City, MO Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 33
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $15,520

Rockhurst is a private Jesuit university that follow the precepts of instructing students not only in their chosen degree program, but in the general aspects of leadership and service. Ninety-seven percent of students participate in community service activities while at Rockhurst. As an SLP graduate student, your opportunities will largely come in the form of community-based practicum programs that deliver real-world training. The school partners with more than 125 clinical sites to provide students with experience throughout the community in practice settings that include rehabilitation, acute care, speech disorders clinics, and skilled nursing facilities.

Seton Hall University Department of Speech Language Pathology South Orange, NJ Website

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 98.5%
• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 99.3%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $21,722

Founded in 1856, today Seton Hall is the oldest diocesan university in the United States. With that long history comes a large and distinguished SLP master’s program, graduating 43 students in 2016 at a nearly 100 percent on-time completion rate. The program’s job placement rate is also a sterling 100 percent and the university’s name on your diploma will carry a lot of weight with hiring committees. But it’s more than just reputation. The university has a broad array of specialized research laboratories where students hone their skills under the supervision of world-class researchers and instructors. Located in a culturally and ethnically diverse region, you will gain broader experience confronting a greater variety of challenges here than most schools can offer.

Touro College School of Health Sciences Brooklyn, NY Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 49
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $17,200

We love Touro College’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology for many reasons, including the variety of clinical experiences offered here. Much of the clinical experiences here are completed right on-site through the Speech and Hearing Center, which provides a wide array of services to all populations in underserved communities. Add to that their 100 percent Praxis exam pass rate and 100 percent employment rate for recent program graduates, and it’s easy to see why Touro College made our list of the top speech-language pathology programs.

Worcester State University Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Department Worcester, MA Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 86.7%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $5,364  

Worcester is a public university in a working-class city that emphasizes the practicality of its program for graduate students facing the pragmatic challenges of the real world. Classes are scheduled in the afternoons and evenings to accommodate students working their way through school, and allow flexible scheduling at a part-time, full-time, or accelerated pace; whatever is best for your schedule. The price tag is also easy to swallow, coming in at just over $5,000 a year in tuition and fees. But these efforts to make life easier for working students don’t impact the quality of the education you get in Worcester. Graduates of the program have demonstrated a 100 percent pass rate on the national Praxis exam and a 100 percent job placement rate.

Pacific University School of Communication Sciences and Disorders Forest Grove, OR Website

Total Overall Score =  92.5 – A

• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 97%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 35
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $30,634

Pacific University’s School of Communication Sciences and Disorders takes full advantage of its location in the greater Portland area, maintaining many community partnerships to provide SLP grad students here with ample opportunities to experience the best in clinical training along with amazing networking opportunities. We’re also impressed with its close faculty mentoring and its professional SLP clinical supervisors who ensure that students here always have the support they need to succeed. The 100% Praxis exam pass rate among graduates speaks for itself.

Harding University Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Department Searcy, AR Website

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Total Overall Score = 90 – A-

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 94%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 18
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $16,178

Harding has provided education in communication sciences and disorders since 1953 and the experience shows. The department’s secret to success is in stressing direct contact between faculty and students, keeping graduate class sizes small and encouraging direct discussion of professional issues. Harding is a private conservative Christian school that also emphasizes charity and good works and Christian living as a part of the curriculum. Faith and learning are integrated, and this carries over to the overseas opportunity open to Harding grad students, known as the Harding in Zambia path. HIZ participants spend time in Africa working with children with HIV/AIDS who have complex swallowing or speech difficulties associated with the disease.

James Madison University Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Department Harrisonburg, VA Website

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $10,752 (in-state) $27,792 (out-of-state)

If you’re looking for a top-notch education in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, look no further… James Madison University’s gorgeous and rapidly expanding campus is a lovely place to learn your profession. With 100 percent job placement, on-time completion and Praxis exam pass rates, it’s also a very effective program. Turning out more than 40 students a year, JMU makes every effort to assist every first-year graduate student, automatically assessing them for placement in graduate assistantships, positions that provide tuition assistance.

Louisiana Technical University Department of Communication Disorders Ruston, LA Website

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,076 (in-state), $21,961 (out-of-state)

Louisiana Tech enjoys uniformly terrific scores for on-time completion, job placement among graduates, and Praxis exam pass rates… 100 percent all the way around. And they’re able to do it while still offering tuition rates to in-state students that are lower than the state average. The Louisiana Tech program offers comprehensive training in SLP diagnosis and therapy across the spectrum of specializations and patient populations. The Speech and Hearing Center here provides opportunities for hands-on experience working in a clinical setting with many of those populations, but the university also partners with external clinics and facilities ranging from general practice hospitals to public schools to pediatric therapy clinics.

Marquette University College of Health Sciences Milwaukee, WI Website

Total Overall Score =  90 – A-

• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 93.3%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $19,350

Marquette University immediately caught our attention because it is one of just a few universities to offer a bilingual English-Spanish specialization in their MS in Speech-Language Pathology program. We also love their dozens of clinical practicum affiliations, including the Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children, the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Condell Medical Center, and Lake Forest Hospital, just to name a few.

North Carolina Central University Department of Allied Professions Durham, NC Website

Master of Science in Communications Disorders

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 33
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,124 (in-state), $19,824 (out-of-state)

In addition to receiving top scores for Praxis exam pass rates, employment rates among recent graduates and on-time completion rates, we love North Carolina Central University because it’s home to a fully accredited clinic: the NCCU Speech and Hearing Clinic. Communications disorder graduate students here enjoy a variety of opportunities for specialized experience through the Assistive Technology for Infants and Preschoolers Program, the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Assessment and Consultation Clinic, and the Bilingual Clinic.

University of New Hampshire College of Health and Human Services Durham, NH Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 1
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $15,920 (in-state), $29,210 (out-of-state)

We love the University of New Hampshire’s rigorous MS in Speech-Language Pathology program, which includes clinical work in year one. This is complemented with opportunities to participate in the school’s on-campus diagnostic clinic and two externships at two different settings during year two. The university partners with area organizations that offer healthcare, early intervention, and educational externships in New Hampshire, Maine, and northern Massachusetts.

University of North Carolina – Greensboro School of Health and Human Sciences Greensboro, NC Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 26
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,753 (in-state), $21,202 (out-of-state)

The University of North Carolina – Greensboro received a top score among our list of SLP master’s programs for its Praxis exam pass rate, on-time completion rate, and employment rate, and it’s no wonder: they’ve been preparing speech-language pathologists for almost 50 years. The university has also received the distinction of being named one of the top 30 speech-language pathology graduate programs by U.S. News and World Report . We’re also impressed by this program’s nationally and internationally recognized faulty, and the diverse clinical experiences with different patient populations students gain through the on-campus clinic.

University of South Alabama Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology Mobile, AL Website

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,326 (in-state), $14,652 (out-of-state)

In addition to earning a 90 th percentile score among our preferred SLP programs, the University of South Alabama’s SLP master’s degree offers students loads of clinical practicum experiences, both at its on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic and through its many affiliate clinics, schools, hospitals, and rehab centers. 100% student achievement scores across the board speak to the quality of this affordable program.

University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point School of Communication Sciences and Disorders Stevens Point, WI Website

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,152 (in-state), $18,556 (out-of-state)

The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point’s SLP graduate program nails it when it comes to student achievement: 100% across the board for Praxis exam pass rates, on-time completion and job placement for graduates. It also receives high marks from students because of its innovative speech, language, and hearing clinical training facility. The university also has affiliations with many off-campus sites, including private practices, early intervention programs, and skilled nursing facilities, among others.

Utah State University College of Education and Human Services Logan, UT Website

Master of Arts or Science in Speech-Language Pathology

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $6,277 (in-state), $19,586 (out-of-state)

The Utah State University Speech-Language Hearing Center provides master’s students with ample opportunities to gain valuable clinical experience working with children and adults in the community. We also love the fact that research opportunities are also widely available at Utah State, thanks to its School-Age Language Lab, the Language and Aphasia Neuro-Rehabilitation Lab, and the Speech and Auditory Perception Lab, among others.

Southeast Missouri State University Department of Communications Disorders Cape Girardeau, MO Website

Master of Arts in Communication Disorders

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 17
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,408 (in-state), $12,868 (out-of-state)

Southeast Missouri State University may be a large university, but it keeps its SLP grad program small to ensure students here receive the support and mentorship they need to excel when it comes time to enter professional practice. We’re also impressed with the Department’s commitment to providing the best in clinical resources. Recent upgrades to the state-of-the-art on-site clinic include a remote video observation system, digital recording, and an updated student work area. Plus, the new Center for Speech and Hearing includes no less than ten treatment rooms, a diagnostic room with observation area, two classrooms, and a voice treatment room.

California State University – Long Beach College of Health and Human Services Long Beach, CA Website

Total Overall Score =  87.5 – B+

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,726 (in-state), $16,654 (out-of-state)

California State University’s MA in Speech-Language Pathology program impressed us with the fact that 100 percent of graduates passed the Praxis exam for the last five years running, and because every one of the graduates that completed the program in the past six years have gone on to jobs they love immediately after graduating. And did we mention the affordable tuition rates for in-state students? Students here all study under the guidance of ASHA-certified and state licensed instructors and get to put their skills to work on campus at the CSULB Speech-Language Clinic, which provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services to children and adults in the community.

Chapman University Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Irvine, CA Website

Student Achievement Score: 57.5/70

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 97.7%
• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98.9%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $27,266

We love the convenience that Chapman University’s MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program offers working grad students with its late afternoon and evening classes. We’re also big fans of the fact that the program offers school-based and medically-related conditions emphasis options. The clinical training sessions offered here combine the two emphasis areas at no additional cost. Just some of the sites include the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center, the Brain Injury Treatment Program, and the Head Injury Program at Coastline Community College.

East Carolina University College of Allied Health Sciences Greenville, NC Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 45
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,288 (in-state), $20,179 (out-of-state)

There’s so much to love about East Carolina University’s MS in Communication Sciences & Disorders. The program is offered both on-campus and as a distance education program for adult learners and those who are geographically bound. It’s also available with either a clinical and nonclinical track. We’re also impressed with the ECU Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic, a community-based clinic where graduate students can work alongside faculty to provide diagnosis and therapy for adults and children with speech and swallowing disorders. Add to that the fact that on-campus students here can apply for graduate assistantships, and you have one great program.

Eastern Illinois University Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Charleston, IL Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 97.5%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 32
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,705 (in-state), $19,425 (out-of-state)

Eastern Illinois University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders enjoys a reputation for being home to a time-tested grad program in speech-language pathology. In fact, for more than a decade, 100 percent of the graduates from the MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program have found employment within three months of graduation. Plus, it’s also offered as a hybrid/online program, providing busy grad students juggling work and family obligations with the best in flexibility.

Marshall University Department of Communication Disorders Huntington, WV Website

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,420 (in-state), $17,910 (out-of-state)

Marshall University’s MS In Speech-Language Pathology is among our top picks for a number of reasons: A 100% employment and Praxis exam pass rate among graduates, a very respectable showing for on-time completion, and the unmatched hands-on learning experiences students participate in through the Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center, where graduate students work alongside faculty members to provide screenings, evaluations, and therapy sessions for both children and adults.

Minnesota State University – Moorhead Department of Speech Language Hearing Sciences Moorhead, MN Website

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,216 (in-state), $13,696 (out-of-state)

There are loads of reasons why Minnesota State University made our list of top schools offering speech-language pathology graduate programs. For starters, students here have access to special clinics, including the Auditory Processing Clinic and the Regional Assistive Technology Center. If that weren’t enough, the Department of Speech Language Hearing Sciences also maintains more than 33 clinical practicum affiliations in the community and helps foster a wide array of volunteer opportunities where students can gain experience while providing the community with much needed SLP services.

Mississippi University for Women Department of Speech Language Pathology Columbus, MS Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 11
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $6,065 (in-state), $16,634 (out-of-state)

The MS in Speech-Language Pathology program through Mississippi University for Women enjoys an enviable student-to-teacher ratio of just 14:1 and a very affordable tuition rate for in-state students. The kind of student-instructor face time that comes as a result of this low ratio contributes to the fact that 100% of students have historically passed the Praxis exam on their first attempt and landed a job they love within three months of graduating. Plus, it’s been ranked as a top Southern public master’s university by U.S. News & World Report . What’s not to love?

Ohio University School of Rehabilitation and Communication Studies Athens, OH Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 22
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,510 (in-state), $17,502 (out-of-state)

There are plenty of reasons to love Ohio University’s MA in Speech-Language Pathology: its state-of-the-art facilities, the wide array of clinical experiences the program facilitates, and the many mentored research opportunities available here are just a few. We also love the nationwide network of more than 250 clinical externship sites available to SLP grad students here.

Portland State University College of Liberal Arts & Sciences: Speech & Hearing Sciences Portland, OR Website

MS or MA in Speech-Language Pathology

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $14,565 (in-state), $22,053 (out-of-state)

Students of the MS or MA in Speech-Language Pathology at PSU enjoy ample research opportunities, both on-campus and with partner departments and institutions in the greater Portland area. Just some of the clinical partners of this program include the Oregon Health Sciences University Medical Center and the VA hospital where students get to work with former and active service members. Add to that the fact that graduates demonstrate a flawless Praxis exam pass rate and employment rate, and you have one of the best programs available for SLP grad students in the North West.

Southern Connecticut State University School of Health and Human Services New Haven, CT Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 40
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,219 (in-state), $22,824 (out-of-state)

Southern Connecticut State University’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology not only offers a strong academic program (as is evident in the fact that graduates enjoy a 100% employment rate and Praxis exam pass rate), but the decided focus on clinical experiences here ensures students get the very best in hands-on training. Students here have access to the department’s three clinical programs located on-site: including the Center for Communication Disorders, the Access Network, and the Southern Connecticut Audiology Services. Plenty of off-campus experiences round out the clinical component of this school’s grad program.

Towson University Department of Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology & Deaf Studies Towson, MD Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 97.7%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 44
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,054 (in-state), $16,362 (out-of-state)

We’re big fans of Towson University for a lot of reasons. First, we always love to see a 100 percent Praxis exam pass rate and employment rate among recent grads, and Towson has that covered. We’re also really impressed with their faculty, 90 percent of whom hold PhDs in their area of specialization. We also love the fact that faculty members here regularly engage with graduate students on their research activities and accompany them to national conferences. Towson has a lot to offer its SLP grad students, and in turn, graduates completing the program have a lot to offer patients and clients when they enter the field as licensed SLPs.

University of Maine – Orono Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Orono, ME Website

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,666 (in-state), $25,640 (out-of-state)

Just one of the reasons we love the University of Maine at Orono is because it takes a community minded approach to teaching SLP. The CSD department’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Center offers both on-campus and outreach services to children and adults in the community. Add to that a perfect record for Praxis exam pass rates and employment among recent graduates, and it’s clear this program has it all. Plus, the in-state tuition rates here can’t be beat.

University of Memphis School of Communication Sciences and Disorders Memphis, TN Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 96.2%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $10,463 (in-state), $19,247 (out-of-state)

We think the University of Memphis is great, and that bears out in the solid B+ it earned thanks to stellar student outcomes. But don’t just take our word for it – U of M has consistently earned recognition for its speech-language pathology programs through U.S. News and World Report. The Memphis Speech and Hearing Center has also earned a reputation for providing top-notch services. And this is also where all SLP graduate students at U of M begin their mentored clinical experience. Students here go on to gain faculty-guided experience through clinical sites in and around Memphis.

University of Montana Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders Missoula, MT Website

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $5,893 (in-state), $20,500 (out-of-state)

We love the University of Montana’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program because of its flexibility: it’s offered with either a thesis or non-thesis track, and is available as an on-campus or online program. On-campus students follow traditional scheduling and enjoy all the benefits of a close-knit campus community, including a clinical practicum right on-site at the University’s RiteCare Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic. Distance education students take all their courses through a web-based platform, and visit the campus only for the hands on clinical training and mentoring portion of the program.

University of Nevada – Reno Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology Reno, NV Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 96.7%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $5,287 (in-state), $19,197 (out-of-state)

The University of Nevada – Reno is a solid choice for a graduate degree in speech-language pathology in the Western U.S. As if a 100% Praxis exam pass rate and 100% employment rate among graduates isn’t impressive enough, the program also offers unprecedented opportunities to gain experience through faculty-supervised clinical externships at affiliated sites, including rehabilitation centers, early intervention programs, public schools, and the VA hospital. In-state tuition here is incredibly affordable, making this program accessible to most.

West Texas A&M University Department of Communication Disorders Canyon, TX Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 28
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $6,349 (in-state), $7,028 (out-of-state)

We love how West Texas A&M’s MS in Communications Disorders program caters to different types of learning styles. Students of this program can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option, and the university’s Speech and Hearing Clinic provides graduate students with all the opportunities they could ever hope for when it comes to gaining pre-professional experience and mentorship. Add to that the fact that the program is very affordable to both in-state and out-of-state students and you have a winning combination that works for any eager SLP grad student in the country.

Western Michigan University Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Kalamazoo, MI Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 95.6%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 31
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $14,235 (in-state), $29,118 (out-of-state)

The Charles Van Riper Language, Speech and Hearing Clinic is just one of the reasons why we love Western Michigan University’s MA in Speech-Language Pathology program. Students of this program have a unique opportunity to work as clinicians, providing much needed SLP services to people from the local community with diverse speech, language and swallowing disorders. If that wasn’t enough, students here also have the opportunity to gain clinical experience through the Children’s Trauma Assessment Center also located on the WMU campus in Kalamazoo.

University of Northern Colorado Audiology and Speech-Language Sciences Department Greeley, Colorado Website

Total Overall Score = 87.5 – B+

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 97%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,444 (In-State); $20,738 (Out-of-State)

The University of Northern Colorado’s flexible SLP program offers busy students the option to choose between a primarily online format or a full-time on-campus pathway. In both instances, professors present curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based practice. The program also places students in internships at public schools and medical facilities in the community where they take their classroom and lab-based training into the real world.

University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences Burlington, VT Website

Total Overall Score =  85 – B

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 90.5%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 15
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $17,012 (in-state), $40,076 (out-of-state)

The University of Vermont easily earns a spot on our list of the top SLP graduate programs in the nation for a number of reasons. Not least among these is the fact that it has a super-low 16:1 student to teacher ratio that gives students a unique level of access to their instructors, and the fact that the School’s Eleanor M. Luse Center for Communication: Speech, Language, and Hearing, serves as an active community clinic that doubles as a primary practice site for first-year graduate students.

University of Wisconsin – Whitewater Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders Whitewater, WI Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 93%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 12
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,915 (in-state), $18,414 (out-of-state)

The University of Wisconsin – Whitewater’s MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers the kind of graduate program experience that ambitious students love. This is clear in the fact that 100% of recent graduates passed the Praxis exam first try and all went on to land jobs within just a few months of graduating. We love the fact that affiliated clinical practicum opportunities are available at a variety of rural and urban sites providing students an opportunity to work with a diverse group of patient populations out in the community, as well as on-site through the UW-Whitewater Center for Communicative Disorders.

Ball State University Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology Muncie, IN Website

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 96.7%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 52
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,048 (in-state), $21,360 (out-of-state)

Ball State University is impressive, to say the least. There’s plenty of reasons why Ball State made our list of schools offering top SLP grad programs—the 100% employment rate among SLP program graduates and 100% on-time program completion rate didn’t hurt. But there’s also their BSU Speech-Language clinic, which sees, on average, 120 clients each year. It’s there that SLP grad students can take what they learned in the classroom and apply it in a real-world setting. Add to that an affordable in-state tuition rate, and no less than four assistantships awarded each year, and you have the perfect program for Indiana-based SLP grad students.

College of Saint Rose Albany, NY Website

Student Achievement Score: 55/70

• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 96.6%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 78
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $15,196

Support at the College of Saint Rose is all part of the package, with faculty mentoring, program meetings through the Communication Sciences & Disorders Department, and opportunities for active participation in the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association. We’re also big fans of the on-campus Pauline K. Winkler Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, which affords students loads of opportunities to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom in a hands-on environment. Add to that the fact that the school offers the same affordable tuition rates to both in-state and out-of-state students and you have a program that attracts SLP grad students from around the world.

CUNY – Queens College Department of Linguistics and Communication Disorders Flushing, NY Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 16
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $10,652 (in-state), $19,242 (out-of-state)

A highly individualized approach is standard at CUNY – Queens College. Students of the MA in SLP program enjoy small classroom sizes and an amazing faculty that always seems to find the time to provide one-on-one clinical mentorship. We’re big fans of the fact that students in the close-knit CUNY community learn and study together, participating in weekly clinical seminars that provide opportunities to engage and discuss contemporary issues related to speech-language pathology. It’s no wonder 100% of SLP grad students at CUNY – Queens College complete the program on time and go on to ace the Praxis exam.

New York Medical College School of Health Sciences and Practice Valhalla, NY Website

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 98.7%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 34
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $26,771

If you’re looking for a truly immersive educational experience in an academic health center environment, New York Medical College is the place for you. The SLP program here draws from the school’s medically oriented education and training, offering many medical resources to provide students here with a truly exceptional grad program, complete with state-of-the-art clinical and technological tools. Add to that 100% on-time completion rates and employment rates among graduates and very respectable Praxis exam pass rates and you have the total package.

University of Akron School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Akron, OH Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 53
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,136 (in-state), $14,642 (out-of-state)

The University of Akron understands that not all SLP grad students are in a position to attend class full time on-campus, which is why they offer both a traditional on-campus grad program and a collaborative, distance-learning program. If you’re a working professional, or applying from out of state, the eight-semester, part-time online program is for you. Both the on-campus and online programs offer lots of student support, which is evidenced by the 100 percent on-time program completion rate and near-perfect employment rate among recent graduates.

University of Hawaii at Manoa Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, John A. Burns School of Medicine Honolulu, HI Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 92%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 10
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $16,168 (in-state), $37,648 (out-of-state)

Complete your MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and you’ll be part of a history of excellence. The Department is housed within the highly esteemed John A. Burns School of Medicine, which has served as a top-tier educational institution and research facility since 1965. Graduates of the John A. Burns School of Medicine provide much of the medical care in Hawaii, and graduates of the MS in CSD are no exception. The 100% Praxis exam pass rate and 100% employment rate among recent graduates speaks to the quality of the program, and the demand for skilled SLPs in the local community and beyond.

University of Puerto Rico San Juan School of Health Professions San Juan, Puerto Rico Website

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 97.3%
• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 78.7%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 13
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,999 (in-state), $9,434 (out-of-state)

If you live in Puerto Rico and want to earn your master’s degree in speech-language pathology, consider yourself lucky. The University of Puerto Rico – San Juan is a leading education and research facility with national acclaim. The university boasts a forty-year tradition of producing high-quality-graduates who work for the Department of Health, Education, and Family Services, nonprofit organizations, private institutions, universities, and in private practice. Its reputation as a leader in the training of health professionals is backed by a staff of more than 70 full-time instructors and state-of-the-art facilities.

University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Edinburg, TX Website

• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 96.7%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $6,608 (in-state), $13,952 (out-of-state)

There’s no shortage of opportunities to hone your skills as a grad student of the MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program at the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley. This is all thanks to the UTRGV Speech and Hearing Center, a services-learning laboratory where grad students work closely with clinical supervisors to provide services to the public. We love that as an on-campus practicum facility, grad students here enjoy plenty of opportunities to take what they learned in the classroom and apply it in a real-world setting. Clearly, this has something to do with the fact that 100% of graduates complete the program on time and all go on to pass the Praxis exam.

Western Washington University Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Bellingham, WA Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 90.6%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 21
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $10,503 (in-state), $31,290 (out-of-state)

Western Washington University provides SLP grad students with the resources and real-world training opportunities they need to succeed in professional practice. If the 100% Praxis exam pass rate isn’t proof enough, the fact that all SLP program graduates go on to find positions they love immediately after graduation surely is. We love the state-of-the-art classrooms and teaching labs found here, as well as the support and guidance provided by graduate advisors. Clinical experiences here are plentiful, thanks to the university’s on-site clinic and the many opportunities students have in the surrounding community, including with the Head Start program, the St. Francis Adult Rehabilitation Center, and the Whatcom Center for Early Learning.

SUNY at Buffalo Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences Buffalo, NY Website

Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders and Sciences

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 94.3%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 14
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,581 (in-state), $22,921 (out-of-state)

SUNY at Buffalo’s master’s degree in communicative disorders and sciences has a long history of student success, and the proof is in the numbers: 100 percent employment rate and 100 percent on-time completion rate among students. We’re also impressed with the university clinic, which is staffed with a clinical faculty boasting expertise in a wide variety of areas, including early intervention, pervasive developmental disorders, articulation, and language, among others.

St. Cloud State University Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders St. Cloud, MN Website

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 91%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 9
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,256 (in-state), $12,084 (out-of-state)

St. Cloud State University’s Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic is just one of the reasons why students of the MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program here enjoy superb clinical experiences. The Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic is a community clinic that makes diagnostic and therapeutic services available to children and adults in the area. Graduate students here provide assessments and therapy to more than 150 clients each year.

Louisiana State University and A&M College College of Humanities & Social Sciences Baton Rouge, Louisiana Website

Student Achievement Score:  62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score:  20/30

Total Overall Score =  82.5 – B

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate:  100%
• On-Time Program Completion Rate:  97%
• Employment Rate for Program Graduates:  98%
• Estimated Tuition Per Academic Year:  $9,132

At LSU, SLP grad students get an unrivaled learning experience through flipped classrooms, simulated learning, interprofessional clinics, and will soon also get first hand exposure to telepractice. Students here learn to work with eye-tracking equipment, video stroboscopy, and state of the art augmentative and alternative communication devices. In fact, just last year the department invested $82,000 to update it’s ACC equipment. LSU grad students routinely present original research at state and national conferences and have a track record for taking home awards and scholarships. This program has it all.

Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville Department of Applied Health Edwardsville, IL Website

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,954 (in-state), $12,798 (out-of-state)

Southern Illinois University is committed to the success of its SLP grad students. The 100 percent Praxis exam pass rate and near-perfect on-time program completion rate and employment rates among recent graduates backs this up. Clinical experience is serious business here, and students are afforded access to a top-notch clinical practice environment at the on-site Speech-Language-Hearing Center. Students here enjoy a fully immersive clinical learning experience in facilities that include no less than eight fully equipped treatment rooms and an observation suite.

Appalachian State University Beaver College of Health Sciences Boone, NC Website

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 99.3%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 54
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,721 (in-state), $20,890 (out-of-state)

If you love the opportunities and resources that only a large university can offer, consider Appalachian State University, home to the Beaver College of Health Sciences, which boasts more than 15 laboratories for simulated research and applied laboratory training, more than 150 esteemed faculty members, and a new health sciences building that features innovative classrooms and state-of-the art laboratories. We also love the affordable, in-state tuition and the university’s long history of on-time completion and post-graduate employment rates among SLP grads.

Bowling Green State University College of Health and Human Services Bowling Green, OH Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 97.8%
• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 97.8%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,397 (in-state), $15,049 (out-of-state)

Bowling Green State University College of Health and Human Services is the place SLP grad students head when they want the best resources and the best student outcomes. A 100 percent Praxis exam pass rate and a near-perfect on-time completion rate and employment rate indicates a strong program that produces leaders in the field of speech-language pathology. The College’s state-of-the-art facilities support student learning, while close faculty mentoring produces an environment where student success is the number one priority.

California State University – Chico Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Chico, CA Website

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 97.33%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 24
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,306 (in-state), $17,234 (out-of-state)

California State University – Chico is part of the massive, 24-campus University of California system. We appreciate that while the large university environment ensures the best in student support services and facilities, the small Chico setting ensures exceptional, one-on-one faculty mentoring. Plus, many of the program’s faculty have varied research interests and clinical expertise, which ensures that students here receive the best in both classroom education and clinical training. The 100% employment rate among recent MA-CSD program grads speaks to the quality of the program here in Chico.

California State University – Fresno Department of Communicative Sciences and Deaf Studies Fresno, CA Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 36
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,579 (in-state), $16,507 (out-of-state)

California State University – Fresno is part of the larger University of California system, so students here enjoy the many benefits that come with attending a large, big-name university, while still enjoying the kind of individualized instruction and mentorship that can only come from a community-based campus like the one found here in Fresno. We’re also fans of their well-equipped speech and hearing clinic and the Anna Michelson Memorial Instructional Media Center, where students enjoy access to everything from top-notch clinical equipment to professional journals.

California State University – Los Angeles Department of Communication Disorders Los Angeles, CA Website

Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders, Speech Language, or Audiology

• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98.3%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,649 (in-state), $16,577 (out-of-state)

No list of top SLP grad programs would be complete without mentioning California State University’s Department of Communication Disorders in Los Angeles. Students here enjoy a prime Los Angeles setting, which affords them access to countless clinical sites, including hospitals, nursing homes, private practice, and public and private schools. We appreciate that while the university is large, the Department of Communication Disorders here is close-knit enough to produce just 24 graduates a year. This smaller atmosphere allows students to receive one-on-one classroom and clinical interactions with faculty members and clinical mentors, something that surely contributes to the 100% Praxis exam pass rate among recent graduates.

CUNY Hunter College Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology New York, NY Website

• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98.7%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 18
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $10,438 (in-state), $19,028 (out-of-state)

As a student of CUNY – Hunter College’s SLP master’s degree program, you’ll have access to the best of the best: an affordable in-state tuition rate, state-of-the-art facilities, and access to the vibrant New York metropolitan community where you’ll have no shortage of opportunities to gain real-world clinical experience. This school boasts an on-campus clinical training site where grad students hone their classroom theory, small classroom sizes, and close faculty mentorship—all of which support student success, as is evident in the 100% Praxis exam pass rate among graduates.

Eastern Kentucky University Department of Communications Disorders Richmond, KY Website

Master of Arts in Education in Communication Disorders

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 27
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,750 (in-state), $15,690 (out-of-state)

As a student of Eastern Kentucky University’s MA in Education in Communication Disorders, you’ll enjoy small class sizes and affordable in-state tuition, all with the confidence that comes with knowing that 100% of recent grads found jobs they love immediately after completing the program. We also love the top-notch clinical experiences you’ll enjoy here, thanks to the university’s Speech-Language, hearing Clinic, which provides services to more than 100 clients each year.

Eastern Washington University College of Health Science and Public Health Spokane, WA Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 95.7%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,794 (in-state), $26,279 (out-of-state)

Eastern Washington University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers their MS in CSD through a program that turns out graduates that consistently ace the Praxis exam, boasting a 100% pass rate among recent grads. A prime downtown Spokane location means easy access to a wealth of clinical experiences, and because the program is offered as part of a joint venture with the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at Washington State University, students here enjoy access to top-notch facilities, faculty, and resources even beyond the EWU Spokane campus.

Fort Hays State University Communication Sciences & Disorders Department Hays, Kansas Website

Total Overall Score = 82.5 – B

• On-Time Program Completion Rate:  96.7%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $4,055 (In-State), $10,333 (Out-of-State)  

Fort Hays State University’s master’s program in SLP consistently surpasses the accreditation standards for student outcome data, earning it high marks and a solid standing on our list of the top programs in the U.S. This campus-based program provides everything you need to earn your CCC-SLP and state licensure through the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability, all in a program that is super-affordable to in-state students and very reasonable for students from out of state who might be considering studying in Kansas.

Kent State University Speech Pathology & Audiology Department Kent, Ohio Website

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 96%
• On-Time Program Completion Rate:  97.1%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 34
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,090 (In-State), $19,362 (Out-of-State)

The Master of Arts offered at Kent State University is a great option for Ohio students interested in a program that focuses on teaching through immersive hands-on training experiences. Clinical practical experiences take place both right here on-campus, as well as off-campus at local clinics in and around Kent. That’s right, externship opportunities that will have you working with pediatric and adult population groups are embedded in the program. This, no doubt, contributes to the fact that all graduates find great jobs shortly after completing the program.

Old Dominican University Communication Disorders & Special Education Department Norfolk, Virginia Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate:  86.1%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,480 (In-State), $28,292 (Out-of-State)

The SLP graduate program at Old Dominion University keeps students sharp and engaged through diverse learning methods that include supervised on-campus and off-campus practicum experiences, evidence-based case study projects, and written comprehension exams. And naturally, the program is all about preparing students to succeed in becoming certified through ASHA upon graduation, with graduating classes consistently boasting a 100% Praxis exam pass rate.

Rush University Communication Disorders & Sciences Department Chicago, Illinois Website

Total Overall Score = 82.5 – B  

• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98.8%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $33,435

The Department of Communication Disorders & Sciences at Rush has a clear mission: Provide an outstanding grad level education in accordance with the teacher-practitioner model with a commitment to the best patient care and excellence in research so as to bring the highest quality SLP services to diverse communities. Rush University’s master’s program in SLP offers students the choice of either a thesis or non-these track. The program includes clinical experiences that give attention to intervention procedures and structured observations of assessment to complement the top-tier classroom-based instruction.

St. John’s University Communication Sciences & Disorders Department Queens, New York Website

Student Achievement Score: 52.5/70

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 98%
• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 93.7%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $16,228

In addition to covering your bases by giving you everything you need for ASHA certification and state licensure in New York, St. John’s master’s in SLP helps foster a global perspective on communication disorders with an exciting study abroad opportunity in Guatemala and an open invitation to apply for a Bilingual Extension Certificate (BEC). Add to that conventional training in the school’s Speech and Hearing Center and you have a program that offers it all.

University of Wisconsin-River Falls Communication Sciences & Disorders Department River Falls, Wisconsin Website

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 19
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,036 (In-State), $18,166 (Out-of-State)

The Communication Sciences & Disorders Department at UW at River Falls earns bragging rights for turning out graduating classes that consistently boast a 100% Praxis exam pass rate. This might have something to do with the diverse training experiences students get here. If UWRF’s on-site Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic wasn’t enough, students also interact with the SLP community through clinical externships that span 31 medical/rehabilitation sites and 24 public school settings. To prepare students for careers in diverse environments, externships are provided in suburban, urban, and rural locations.

University of Wyoming Communication Disorders Division Laramie, Wyoming Website

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 85%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $5,673 (In-State), $14,313 (Out-of-State)

The SLP program at University of Wyoming is all about learning by doing, introducing students to the local SLP professional community through clinical rotations in nearby Cheyenne, Laramie and the surrounding areas. Clinical externships in medical and educational settings act as the perfect complement to the stellar classroom instruction students receive here. Students here greatly benefit from collaborative and independent research projects. Maybe all this is the reason why 100% of students graduate on time and all graduates land great jobs shortly after completing the program.

Western Illinois University Communication Sciences & Disorders Department Macomb, Illinois Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 88%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,325 (In-State), $15,209 (Out-of-State)

Western Illinois University’s SLP master program springboards students into successful careers with a focus on rigorous clinical training, full-time off-campus internships, advanced coursework, and practical exercises at the WIU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. Using small class sizes, the SLP staff ensures students are well-prepared for state licensure and ASHA certification. As if a100% Praxis exam pass rate among recent grads isn’t impressive enough, 100% of grads also go on to land jobs they love shortly after graduating.

William Paterson University of New Jersey Communication Disorders & Sciences Department Wayne, New Jersey Website

Master of Science in Communication Disorders & Sciences

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $12,384 (In-State), $19,242 (Out-of-State)

This SLP instruction plan at William Paterson University is complemented with plenty of research seminars, externship rotations, and trips to the school’s on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic. Graduates Typically enter into the job market already holding their CCC-SLP, New Jersey State license, and speech-language certification from the NJ DOE. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that 100% of graduates transition to great jobs as soon at they complete the program.

Southeastern Louisiana University Department of Health and Human Sciences Hammond, LA Website

• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 95.5%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,369 (in-state), $20,846 (out-of-state)

If you want a school that will provide you with a great education and plenty of resources, consider Southeastern Louisiana University, which boasts everything from a university-based Speech-Language Hearing Clinic to plenty of contractual agreements that ensure students have no shortage of exciting field experiences through regional schools, hospitals, private practices, and rehabilitation centers. Add to that an award-winning professional student organization that is sure to enrich any student’s graduate experience and you have all the makings for one of the best SLP programs in the nation.

University of the District of Columbia Education, Health, & Social Work Division Washington, DC Website

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 16
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,158 (In-State), $16,808 (Out-of-State)

University of DC’s master’s in SLP puts a decided emphasis on improving the quality of life for patients with speech disorders, looking at the sociocultural and sociolinguistic implications of speech therapy interventions. This program further distinguishes itself by offering a route to specialization in either school-based or medical speech pathology.

East Tennessee State University Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Department Johnson City, Tennessee Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 78%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 27
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,268 (In-State), $16,636 (Out-of-State)

With several on-site research facilities including its Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development, East Tennessee State University makes hands-on learning a central part of its SLP program. And it’s an effective approach as is evident in the fact that 100% of grads ace the Praxis exam, and all go on to great jobs shortly after graduating. Students are invited to participate in off-campus clinical experiences through area school systems, long-term health care facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes.

Governors State University Communication Disorders Department University Park, Illinois Website

Master of Health Science in Communication Disorders

Governors State University encourages students to gain experience in the most immersive environments possible: the real world of schools, hospitals and clinics. In fact, the Communication Disorders Department has a network of over 150 affiliate practicum sites throughout the community. This immersive training model helps students move seamlessly from college life into the real-world of professional practice. For added convenience, the school offers students both full-time and part-time scheduling options.

Idaho State University Communication Sciences & Disorders Pocatello, Idaho/Meridian, Idaho/Online Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 83%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 11
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,502 (In-State), $22,583 (Out-of-State)

Idaho State University puts a master’s in SLP well within reach for grad students in the state and throughout the country with programs available at the Pocatello and Meridian campuses, in addition to a super convenient online option. The curriculum includes full-time externships where students gain experience working with clients across the lifespan dealing with a full range of speech and swallowing disorders. Stats above are shown for the Pocatello campus. At Meridian, they differed only slightly: Praxis exam pass rate – 100%; on-time program completion rate – 81%; and Employment rate – 100%.

Illinois State University Communication Sciences & Disorders Department Normal, Illinois Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 94.7%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,970 (In-State), $16,542 (Out-of-State)

Illinois State University’s MS in SLP allows students to custom tailor their learning experience with electives that prepare them to go on to specialize in medical or school-based practice, as well as bilingualism. Department faculty includes clinical coordinators available to help connect students with more than 500 affiliate sites available to accommodate internships. This helps explain why a full 99% of graduates go on to start careers with employers they love immediately after completing the program.

Jackson State University Communicative Disorders Department Jackson, Mississippi Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 84%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,261

Jackson State University’s MS in Communication Disorders program has set a precedent for turning out graduates well prepared to succeed as professional SLPs. The numbers speak for themselves: 100% of recent graduates pass the Praxis exam and all find jobs they love almost immediately after completing the program. In addition to being prepared for the CCC-SLP and state licensure from the Mississippi State Department of Heath, graduates also qualify for the Class AA Standard Educator–SLP License through the State Department of Education.

LIU Post Communication Sciences & Disorders Brookville, New York Website

Cost and Affordability Score: 10/30

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 35
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $30,176

The MA in SLP through LIU Post prepares graduates to work as part of a team in collaboration with other therapists and practitioners, from applied behavior analysts to physical and occupational therapists. Aside from the basic CAA-approved course requirements, students get a chance to try out what they’ve learned in the classroom and polish their practical skills through four separate clinical experiences, both on-campus, and at area hospitals, schools, and rehab centers. The fact that 100% of students complete the program on time and 100% of graduates pass the Praxis exam and land jobs shortly after graduating tells the story of how effective this program is.

Longwood University Social Work & Communication Sciences and Disorders Department Farmville, Virginia Website

Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders

• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year: 21
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $10,896 (In-State), $25,272 (Out-of-State)

At Longwood University, SLP grad students enjoy small class sizes that provide lots of opportunities to work closely with instructors and classmates. Longwood’s Social Work & Communication Sciences and Disorders Department also provides just as many opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning in the school’s ultramodern Speech, Hearing and Learning center, observable therapy rooms, and pre-school literacy room. The program also encourages students to work cooperatively with clinical faculty to practice interprofessional relationship building.

Misericordia University College of Health Sciences and Education Dallas, PA Website

Total Overall Score =  80 – B-

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $33,130

In addition to its highly rated speech-language master’s degree program, we also love the fact that Misericordia University offers an option for undergrads with their sights set on becoming a board-certified SLP, offering a comprehensive program that will take them from a high school diploma to a master’s degree in speech-language pathology in just five years. Of course, traditional SLP graduate students are welcome too. Across the board, the perfect student achievement scores speak for themselves: 100% Praxis exam pass rate, on-time graduation, and employment rate among recent graduates.

Missouri State University Communication Sciences and Disorders Department Springfield, MO Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 91.6%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $5,554 (in-state), $10,234 (out-of-state)

Missouri State University has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a large university: state-of-the-art laboratories and clinics, a highly esteemed faculty, and loads of research opportunities. Yet this school still manages to offer its SLP graduate students a very affordable option and a personalized experience, complete with close faculty mentorship and small class sizes.

New Mexico State University Special Education and Communication Disorders Department Las Cruces, NM Website

Masters in Communication Disorders

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 94.2%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2016-17 Academic Year : 26
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $4,941 (in-state), $15,107 (out-of-state)

New Mexico State University produces leaders in the field of speech-language pathology, which is evidenced by the 100 percent employment rate among graduates for the past several years. While this university is large enough to offer plenty of opportunities, clinical experiences, and top-notch laboratories, it’s still able to maintain a small school atmosphere.

Northeastern State University Department of Health Professions Tahlequah, OK Website

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 93%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 38
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $4,572 (in-state), $9,486 (out-of-state)

Northeastern State University will get you where you want to go with your master’s degree in speech-language pathology, as it prepares students to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA, a license from the Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, and the Oklahoma State Department of Education Standard Certificate in Speech-Language Pathology. Do you want to teach in the public school system? Northeastern State has you covered, thanks to the 13 school contracts it maintains.

Ohio State University Department of Speech and Hearing Science Columbus, OH Website

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $12,425 (in-state), $32,873 (out-of-state)

No matter where you live, Ohio State University may be the ideal school for you thanks to its standard tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students. In keeping with the Department of Speech and Hearing Science’s tradition of distinguished faculty, in the past year alone, they recruited and hired three new senior faculty members, all of whom come with their share of outstanding research credentials. Ohio State also offers up several graduate interdisciplinary specializations—aging, applied developmental science in education, disability studies, and singing health—to provide students with plenty of opportunities to focus their graduate work on an area of interest.

San Diego State University School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences San Diego, CA Website

• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 94.3%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,350 (in-state), $17,278 (out-of-state)

San Diego State University has all the perks you’d expect from a large, internationally renowned university, including contractual relationships with community clinics, schools, hospitals, and health agencies and a large audiology and speech-language clinic, which provides plenty of opportunities for graduate students to get a variety of diagnostic and rehabilitative experiences under their belt. We also love that they offer students the option of specializing in bilingualism—a great addition to any SLP graduate program.

University of Central Arkansas Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Conway, AR Website

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $5,881 (in-state), $10,475 (out-of-state)

The University of Central Arkansas may have some 60,000 students that make up its student body, but we love that it is still able to maintain a small-school atmosphere for SLP graduate students. You can attribute this to UCA’s top-notch advising services, faculty mentorship, and diverse clinical experiences. In fact, the faculty here make it a point to get to know students, showing a unique commitment to producing the next generation of clinicians, educators, and researchers.

University of Louisiana – Monroe College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences Monroe, LA Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 81%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,662 (in-state), $20,762 (out-of-state)

The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a master’s degree in speech-language pathology that immediately caught our attention when we discovered that the program has produced graduating classes with a 100% pass rate on the Praxis exam for seven, consecutive years. But we’re also impressed with the low in-state tuition costs and the Kitty DeGree Speech and Hearing Center, which serves as an integral part of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and the College of Health Sciences. This clinic has served as a community and graduate program resource for more than 40 years. Annually, it conducts more than 400 screenings and evaluations and provides more than 4,000 hours of therapy to patients in the community.

University of North Texas Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Denton, TX Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 93.9%
• Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98.9%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,183 (in-state), $14,527 (out-of-state)

We love the University of North Texas for its super-competitive in-state tuition, its 100 percent Praxis exam rate, and the UNT Speech and Hearing Center, the place for graduate students to dive deep and gain valuable, real-world experiences treating clients in a real clinical setting. With a track record for producing graduates with a 100% Praxis exam pass rate and a very respectable showing for on-time completion and post-graduation employment, this program offers eager SLP grad students the total package.

University of West Georgia Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Carrollton, GA Website

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 92%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $5,958 (in-state), $17,460 (out-of-state)

The University of West Georgia is committed to creating the highest quality student experience, which is why this school admits just 20-25 students each year into its SLP master’s program. In addition to fantastic faculty mentorship, this school provides students with plenty of opportunities to learn through experience in the Comprehensive Community Clinic. It’s safe to say this has helped stack the numbers here, with 100% of students completing the program on time and all of them going on to land jobs they love shortly after graduating.

University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Carrollton, GA Website

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 90.7%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 19
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,911 (in-state), $18,042 (out-of-state)

The University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire is all about convenience and flexibility, which is why they offer both a residential and online master’s degree in SLP. Their residential program will get you in and out the door in just two years, while the online option is designed as a three-year, part-time program for working professionals or those who just prefer a distance-learning platform. But what’s really impressive about this school is that in four out of the last five years, they’ve maintained a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the Praxis exam. Plus, they proudly boast that 100 percent of their graduates are employed in the profession within one year of graduation.

Wichita State University Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Wichita, KS Website

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $6,078 (in-state), $13,609 (out-of-state)

Choose Wichita State University for your SLP graduate studies and you’ll have access to plenty of perks when it comes to real-world clinical experience opportunities: if the on-site WSU Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic wasn’t enough, you’ll also have access to a wide number of externship options in and around the Wichita area. With a very respectable showing for Praxis exam pass rates among recent graduates and a 100% employment rate, you can be confident this program will prepare you for a successful career.

University of Southern Mississippi Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences Hattiesburg, MS Website

• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,659 (in-state), $16,529 (out-of-state)

The University of Southern Mississippi earned a spot on our list for hitting the 100% mark in all student achievement metrics: on-time program completion rate, employment rate among recent graduates, and the all-important Praxis exam pass rate.  But we also love that this university provides two options for its master’s program in speech-language pathology, not something often seen in other SLP grad programs. Pursue an MA and you’ll round out your program with proficiency in a foreign language and the completion of a thesis. Choose an MS and you’ll focus your degree on additional SLP coursework instead of a foreign language or thesis. In either case, you’ll be well prepared to ace the Praxis exam and hit the ground running

Eastern New Mexico University Department of Health and Human Services Portales, NM Website

Master of Science in Communicative Disorders

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 91.3%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $6,017 (in-state), $11,963 (out-of-state)

In addition to its affordable tuition and the impressive on-time completion and employment rates among students, we’re really impressed with the flexibility of Eastern New Mexico University’s MS in Communicative Disorders. This grad program offers a unique hybrid of online and on-campus coursework that is ideal for working SLP grad students. Students here attend the first 16 weeks of the program on-campus to complete a one-semester practicum. After the successful completion of the practicum, students can then complete the remainder of the program exclusively through distance-based study.

Radford University Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Radford, VA Website

Master of Science or Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders – SLP Concentration

• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 91.7%
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $10,958 (in-state), $19,484 (out-of-state)

We admire Radford University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders for its impressive track record of producing highly employable graduates (employment rate near 99 percent) and the fact that all students complete the program on time. But we love its three-year leveling track option, a feature of the program designed specifically for students who didn’t complete their undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders. Students that take advantage of this option complete an additional 28 credit hours of coursework during their first year and then seamlessly transition into standard graduate program coursework.

Western Kentucky University Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology Bowling Green, KY Website

• Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 97.2%
• On-Time Program Completion Rate: 92.7%
• Number of SLP Master’s Awarded for 2015-16 Academic Year : 74
• Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,400 (in-state), $16,320 (out-of-state)

Western Kentucky University makes earning a graduate degree in speech-language pathology convenient and accessible for students. Thanks to its flexible coursework delivery options, this first rate program is available in three formats: on-campus, online full-time, and online part-time. We’re also impressed with this university’s campus offerings, including the Communication Disorders Clinic, which serves the community by providing speech, language, and hearing services to more than 120 people each year.

Masters Program Scoring Metrics

Student achievement – 70 total possible points.

All student achievement data was taken directly from each school’s website.

Scoring is based on the three-year average percentage in each of the three categories (Praxis exam pass rates, on-time completion rates, and employment rates).

We looked at the three most recent years of available data for each school. In virtually all cases, this was the 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17 academic years. For the few schools that have not yet posted 2016-17 data, we looked at the 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 academic years.

We awarded points for student achievement in accordance with these ranges:

Exam Pass Rates – 30 possible points

• 100%: 30 points
• 95% – 99.9%: 25 points
• 90% – 94.9%: 20 points
• 85% – 89.9%: 10 points
• 80% – 84.9%: 5 points
• Less than 80%: 0 points

On-Time Completion Rates – 10 possible points

• 100%: 10 points
• 95% – 99.9%: 7.5 points
• 90% – 94.9%: 5 points
• 85% – 89.9%: 2.5 points
• Less than 85%: 0 points

Employment Rates of Graduates – 30 possible points

Cost and Affordability – 30 Total Possible Points

All tuition data came from the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences National Center for Education Statistics (IES-NCES) database .

IES-NCES provides annual tuition data for each school as an average of all graduate programs the school offers.

All cost and affordability scores are based on how each program’s costs compare to the average within their own state and for their respective category (public or private).

We awarded points for cost and affordability based on these metrics:

• Same as state average or below:      20 points
• Within 10% above state average:  10 points
• Tuition for out-of-state students no more than 25% higher than for in-state students:      10 points*

Note: As a rule, for schools that offer the exact same program at multiple campus locations or both on-campus and online, we scored and provided data for the location or delivery format with the best student outcomes. In a few instances where additional campus locations represent the only option for SLP education in the region, we scored and provided data separately for these locations.

* The 25% spread in our scoring system allowed public universities to be able to compete in this category. Though public schools typically charge a considerably higher rate to out-of-state students, it is becoming more common for them to offer the same rate across the board as a way to be more competitive and to attract international students and students from elsewhere in the country. Though private universities charge higher tuition rates than state schools, they typically offer the same rate regardless of residency status. Public schools routinely offer tuition rates that align with other state schools, but since private universities aren’t bound by the same restrictions their rates can vary widely from the mean and place them outside the allowable range for being awarded points. By including this category, we were able to create a more equitable scoring system that ensured both public and private schools have an equal chance of qualifying for inclusion on our list.

Best Online Speech Pathology Programs of 2024

The demand for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is high as the U.S. population ages and more children are evaluated for communication disorders. With a master’s degree in speech pathology, you can pursue careers in medical, rehabilitative, and school settings.

Find out what speech pathologists do, where they work, how much they make, and what to look for in online speech pathology programs (also known as communication sciences and disorders).

Popular Online Speech Pathology Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Online Master’s in Speech Pathology Programs

The university of texas health science center at san antonio.

• Campus + Online
• In-State $6,232
• Out-of-state $19,420
• In-State $3,239
• Out-of-state $12,223
• Retention Rate N/A
• Acceptance Rate N/A
• Students Enrolled 3,499
• Institution Type Public

James Madison University

• In-State $7,460
• Out-of-state $23,800
• In-State $11,184
• Out-of-state $27,888
• Retention Rate 91%
• Acceptance Rate 86%
• Students Enrolled 22,166

University of Wisconsin-Madison

• In-State $9,273
• Out-of-state $37,161
• In-State $10,728
• Out-of-state $24,054
• Retention Rate 95%
• Acceptance Rate 60%
• Students Enrolled 47,016

Purdue University-Main Campus

• In-State $9,718
• Out-of-state $28,520
• Acceptance Rate 69%
• Students Enrolled 50,344

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• In-State $7,019
• Out-of-state $34,882
• In-State $10,552
• Out-of-state $28,844
• Retention Rate 97%
• Acceptance Rate 20%
• Students Enrolled 31,641

San Diego State University

• In-State $5,742
• Out-of-state $17,622
• In-State $7,176
• Out-of-state $16,680
• Retention Rate 90%
• Acceptance Rate 38%
• Students Enrolled 36,484

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

• In-State $6,708
• Out-of-state $14,448
• In-State $7,934
• Out-of-state $16,124
• Students Enrolled 3,088

Towson University

• In-State $7,100
• Out-of-state $22,152
• In-State $8,280
• Out-of-state $17,136
• Retention Rate 85%
• Acceptance Rate 88%
• Students Enrolled 20,856

University of Florida

• In-State $4,477
• Out-of-state $25,694
• In-State $10,770
• Out-of-state $27,335
• Acceptance Rate 30%
• Students Enrolled 55,781

Marquette University

• In-State $44,970
• Out-of-state $44,970
• In-State $21,960
• Out-of-state $21,960
• Retention Rate 89%
• Students Enrolled 11,320
• Institution Type Private

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey . To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

Ranking Methodology Summary

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

• Affordability (30%)
• Student outcomes (30%)
• Reputation (20%)
• Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

What Can I Do With a Master’s in Speech Pathology Degree?

With a master’s degree, you can work as a speech pathologist and help people of all ages with communication disorders. As an SLP, you work with children and adults struggling with autism spectrum disorders, deafness or hard of hearing, language and literacy challenges, and swallowing problems.

Common workplaces include hospitals, private practice, residential facilities, and schools. Your duties include evaluating clients, formulating treatment plans, and helping clients improve their voices, vocabulary, and sentence structure. You also work with clients to strengthen muscles for swallowing.

With a master’s degree, you can qualify for state licensure and certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association .

Where Can I Work With a Master’s in Speech Pathology Degree?

• Private Practice Offices: Self-employed speech pathologists run their own practices and hire speech pathologists in group practice environments. They may specialize in a particular communication disorder or population group, such as children or older adults.
• Hospital Systems: Speech pathologists help hospital patients with communication conditions arising from medical issues, such as head injuries, respiratory issues, and strokes. They work as part of a larger healthcare team alongside physicians, audiologists, and respiratory therapists.
• School Systems: School speech pathologists evaluate students for language and speech disorders, counsel students, and support classroom activities. They also work with school staff and parents to develop and implement individual and group programs.
• Residential Facilities: Assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers employ speech pathologists to help older patients recover from medical issues with communication disorders.

How Much Can I Make With a Master’s in Speech Pathology Degree?

Speech-language pathologists earn a median annual salary of $89,290 (or $42.93 an hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest 10% of earners make less than $57,910, and the highest 10% make $129,930.

Salaries vary based on workplace, geographic location, and experience. For example, speech pathologists in nursing and residential care facilities earn median salaries of nearly $110,000 a year, while those working in schools make just over $83,000.

The BLS-projected job growth rate for speech-language pathologists is 18% for 2023-2033, much higher than the national average. High demand can lead to an increase in salary.

What to Look for in a Master’s in Speech Pathology Online Program

Consider several factors when researching online speech pathology programs. Accreditation is one of the most important factors. Other considerations, such as the curriculum, program length, and learning formats, speak to individual academic and professional goals.

Program Curriculum

Ensure the coursework aligns with the speech pathology areas and populations you’re interested in. While not required, some speech pathologists specialize in their careers. A program’s concentration options can help you decide your path.

Accreditation

All the best online speech pathology programs listed above hold accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology — an organization within the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This credential signifies that the program meets educational and industry standards.

Program Length

Determine how many credits a master’s in speech pathology online program requires and the estimated timeframe for graduation. Your graduation timeline depends on whether you enroll full or part-time and if you need to complete any prerequisites.

Field Experience

If you have a particular population or specialization in mind, look for programs offering field experiences in those areas. Find out whether the school assists with finding and securing clinical placements.

Online Learning Format and Requirements

Online programs offer synchronous courses at scheduled times or asynchronous recorded lectures that you can access anytime. Some courses feature assignment deadlines, while others are self-paced. Make sure the format fits your learning style.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Speech Pathology Programs

What can you do with a master’s in speech pathology.

A master’s in speech pathology can lead to careers working with patients in hospitals, private practices, residential facilities, and schools to help with communication disorders. These include fluency, language, speech, and voice conditions and disorders.

Can you earn a master’s in speech pathology online?

Many master’s in speech pathology programs offer online coursework. Clinical fieldwork must be completed on-site and some schools may require on-campus residencies or immersions. You may be able to find fieldwork placements near your home.

What are the admission requirements for a master’s in speech pathology online program?

Typical admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree (in communication sciences and disorders at some programs), a minimum 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, and specified speech pathology prerequisites. Be prepared to submit your transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and resume.

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