Pay for SLP grad school by combining federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (up to $20,500/year), scholarships from ASHFoundation and state organizations, graduate assistantships that offer tuition waivers plus stipends, and post-graduation loan forgiveness programs like PSLF. With Grad PLUS loans ending for new borrowers in July 2026, early planning is essential.
- 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.
- Grand Canyon University - Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. - This STEM program focuses on training aspiring speech-language pathologists to offer compassionate, effective services to individuals with communication disorders
- 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.
- Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.
An SLP master’s degree can cost anywhere from $25,000 to over $100,000, depending on whether you attend a public university with in-state tuition or a private institution. That’s a significant investment for a career with starting salaries typically ranging from $55,000 to $70,000.
The good news? Multiple funding pathways exist to help you minimize debt while earning your degree. The challenging news? Federal student loan rules are changing dramatically in July 2026, making proactive financial planning more important than ever for anyone considering becoming a speech-language pathologist.
This guide breaks down every major funding option available to SLP graduate students, from scholarships and assistantships to loan forgiveness programs that can eliminate your debt after graduation.
Critical Federal Loan Changes Coming July 2026
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025, eliminates the Graduate PLUS Loan program for new borrowers starting July 1, 2026. This represents one of the most significant changes to graduate education financing in decades.
Here’s what this means for SLP students:
Grad PLUS loans are no longer available to new borrowers. Previously, graduate students could borrow up to the full cost of attendance through Grad PLUS loans. After July 1, 2026, this option won’t be available to students who haven’t already borrowed through the program.
New borrowing caps take effect. Graduate students will be limited to $20,500 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans, with an aggregate lifetime cap of $100,000. For many programs, this won’t cover the full cost of attendance.
Legacy provision for current borrowers. Students who receive at least one Grad PLUS loan disbursement before July 1, 2026 can continue borrowing under the old rules for up to three additional years or until program completion, whichever comes first.
If you’re planning to start an SLP program in Fall 2026 or later, this means you’ll need to rely more heavily on scholarships, assistantships, savings, and potentially private loans to cover costs beyond federal limits.
Understanding SLP Graduate School Costs
Before building your funding strategy, you need to understand the full cost picture. Tuition varies dramatically based on institution type and residency status.
| Program Type | Annual Tuition Range | Total Program Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Public University (In-State) | $8,000 – $18,000 | $16,000 – $36,000 |
| Public University (Out-of-State) | $20,000 – $35,000 | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Private University | $35,000 – $55,000 | $70,000 – $110,000 |
| Affordable Online Programs | $7,000 – $15,000 | $14,000 – $30,000 |
Beyond tuition, budget for books and supplies ($500-$1,650 per year), clinical fees, background checks, liability insurance, and living expenses. Depending on your location, housing, food, transportation, and health insurance can add $20,000-$30,000 annually to your total cost.
Federal Financial Aid Options
FAFSA and Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it opens each year, typically October 1. Graduate students are automatically considered independent for FAFSA purposes, so your parents’ income won’t affect your eligibility.
The Direct Unsubsidized Loan allows you to borrow up to $20,500 per academic year. Interest accrues from disbursement, so factor this into your total cost calculations. For loans disbursed in the 2025-2026 academic year, the interest rate is 8.08% (rates are set annually and subject to change).
Income-Driven Repayment Changes
The federal loan landscape is also shifting for repayment. For borrowers with loans taken out on or after July 1, 2026, the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) will be the only income-based option. RAP calculates payments at 1-10% of adjusted gross income with a $10 minimum monthly payment and offers forgiveness after 360 qualifying payments (30 years).
Borrowers with loans made before July 2026 can still access Income-Based Repayment (IBR), which offers forgiveness after 20-25 years of payments.
Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships represent free money that doesn’t need to be repaid. For additional scholarship opportunities, explore our speech pathology scholarship guide.
ASHFoundation Scholarships
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation offers the most prominent scholarships in the field. The Graduate Student Scholarship provides multiple awards of up to $5,000 each to students demonstrating academic excellence. Special categories include scholarships for international students, minority students, students with disabilities, and NSSLHA members. The application deadline typically falls in May.
National Organization Scholarships
Several organizations offer substantial funding for SLP students:
Sertoma Communicative Disorders Scholarship: Awards $1,000 to graduate students at ASHA-accredited institutions with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Sertoma provides more scholarship funding nationally for graduate-level CSD study than any other single organization.
Bilingual Therapies Scholarship: Offers up to $7,000 for students with near-native proficiency in a second language who plan to work with multilingual students in schools. Applications are typically due in November.
CAPCSD Frances J. Laven Scholarship: Awards $5,000 to graduate students at CAPCSD member institutions.
State-Specific Programs
Many states offer targeted funding for SLP students, often with service commitments:
California: The Advanced Practice Healthcare Scholarship Program (APHSP) provides up to $25,000 for students who commit to 12 months of service in underserved communities.
Mississippi: The Speech-Language Pathologist Forgivable Loan covers tuition for students at Mississippi institutions who commit to working in state public schools, with one year of service required for each year of funding.
Delaware: The SLP Scholarship/Incentive Loan Program offers $5,000-$10,000 per year for students who agree to work in Delaware public schools or early intervention programs.
Verify current amounts and eligibility on program websites, as funding levels may change annually. Check with your state’s speech-language-hearing association and department of education for additional opportunities.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships represent one of the most valuable funding mechanisms available. These positions typically provide a tuition waiver (partial or full) plus a monthly stipend in exchange for 10-20 hours of weekly work.
What Assistantships Offer
| Benefit | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Tuition Waiver | 25% to 100% of tuition |
| Annual Stipend | $3,000 – $16,500 |
| Health Insurance | Sometimes included |
| Weekly Hours Required | 10 – 20 hours |
Duties may include working in departmental clinics, assisting with research, teaching undergraduate courses, or handling administrative tasks.
How to Secure an Assistantship
Competition for assistantships can be intense. Inquire about available positions during the application process and ask whether separate applications are required. Some programs award assistantships automatically based on application materials, while others require additional steps.
At the University of Louisiana, master’s-level assistantships offer a minimum stipend of $9,500 per academic year plus tuition waiver. The University of Alabama provides half-tuition waivers, monthly stipends, and health coverage for graduate assistants.
Tuition Reduction Programs
WICHE Western Regional Graduate Program
The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) allows students from 15 western states to attend select out-of-state graduate programs at reduced tuition rates of up to 150% of resident tuition (actual rates vary by program). Participating states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Several SLP programs participate, including the University of Washington’s CoreSLP program and Idaho State University. Verify eligibility with specific programs and apply for the reduced rate during admissions.
Establishing In-State Residency
If you’re planning to attend a public university, establishing in-state residency before enrollment can significantly reduce costs. Requirements vary by state but typically involve living in the state for at least one year and demonstrating intent to remain. Research specific requirements well in advance.
Loan Forgiveness Programs
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
PSLF remains a powerful option for SLPs planning careers in qualifying settings. After making 120 qualifying monthly payments while employed full-time at a government or nonprofit organization, your remaining federal loan balance is forgiven. SLPs working in public schools, university clinics, government hospitals (including VA facilities), and nonprofit healthcare settings typically qualify.
SLPs have achieved loan forgiveness through PSLF, though success requires meeting all program requirements throughout the repayment period. Based on borrower reports, forgiveness amounts have ranged from $50,000 to over $150,000.
Critical requirements include having Direct Loans (not private loans), being on an income-driven repayment plan, and certifying employment annually.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
SLPs working in Title I schools may qualify for up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness after five consecutive years of full-time service. This program recognizes explicitly speech-language pathologists as eligible participants. Verify your school’s eligibility through the Teacher Cancellation Low Income (TCLI) directory.
Indian Health Service Loan Repayment
The IHS Loan Repayment Program offers up to $50,000 for an initial two-year service commitment at facilities serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Speech-language pathologists are eligible for this program. Participants can extend contracts annually until student debt is repaid.
State Loan Repayment Programs
Many states operate their own loan repayment programs for healthcare professionals working in underserved areas. Speech-language pathologists may be eligible for some NHSC State Loan Repayment Programs, though the standard federal NHSC LRP focuses on primary care, dental, and behavioral health disciplines. Check specific program eligibility requirements with your state’s health department or primary care office.
Strategies for Minimizing Costs
Choose an Affordable Program
Program prestige usually doesn’t translate to higher salaries in speech-language pathology. Experienced SLPs consistently advise choosing the most affordable CAA-accredited program you can find. State schools with in-state tuition often offer the best value, with total program costs ranging from $25,000 to $40,000.
Consider Living Arrangements
Living at home during graduate school can save $40,000-$55,000 over two years. If you need to pay rent, having roommates and living modestly helps preserve financial resources for tuition.
Work Strategically
Many SLP students successfully work 10-20 hours per week during their programs. Popular options include positions as SLPAs, tutoring, serving at restaurants (for schedule flexibility), and research assistant roles. Check with your specific program about their policies on outside employment.
Your Funding Action Timeline
6-12 Months Before Enrollment
Complete the FAFSA as soon as it opens (typically October 1). Research programs participating in WICHE/WRGP if you’re in a western state. Apply for ASHFoundation scholarships by the May deadline. Inquire about graduate assistantships with prospective programs.
During the Application Process
Ask programs specifically about funding packages, assistantships, and scholarships. Calculate the total cost of attendance, including living expenses. Compare net costs after financial aid across all accepted programs.
Before Starting Your Program
Apply for state-specific scholarships and forgivable loan programs. If borrowing federal loans and starting before July 2026, consider borrowing at least one Grad PLUS loan to preserve legacy borrowing privileges. Set up a budget-tracking system and research loan-forgiveness pathways relevant to your career plans.
During Your Program
Reapply for scholarships annually. Seek employment opportunities that complement your schedule. If working at a qualifying employer, begin submitting PSLF employment certification forms. After graduation, you’ll complete your clinical fellowship before beginning full-time practice. Monitor changes to federal loan programs throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much debt is too much for an SLP salary?
Financial experts generally recommend keeping total student debt below your expected first-year salary. For SLPs, this means aiming for total debt of less than $55,000-$70,000. Many practicing SLPs report that debt exceeding $100,000 creates significant financial stress given typical salaries in the field.
Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness worth pursuing?
If you plan to work in public schools, nonprofit hospitals, or government settings, PSLF can be extremely valuable. SLPs have reported forgiveness amounts of $50,000-$150,000 or more through the program. Start certifying your employment early and stay on an income-driven repayment plan to maximize benefits.
Can I work while in SLP grad school?
Many students work 10-20 hours per week during their programs. Popular options include SLPA positions, tutoring, restaurant service, and research assistant roles. Check with your specific program about their policies, as some recommend limiting work hours during clinical semesters.
How competitive are graduate assistantships?
Competition varies by program. Some schools offer assistantships to most admitted students, while others have limited positions. Ask about assistantship availability during the application process, and apply early if a separate application is required. A strong academic record and relevant experience improve your chances.
Should I choose a prestigious program even if it costs more?
In speech-language pathology, program prestige typically doesn’t translate to higher starting salaries or better job prospects. Clinical placement quality and licensure exam pass rates matter more than rankings. Most practicing SLPs recommend choosing the most affordable CAA-accredited program available.
What happens if I can’t cover my costs with federal loans after July 2026?
With new federal borrowing caps, you may need to combine multiple funding sources: scholarships, assistantships, savings, employer assistance, and potentially private student loans. Choosing an affordable program becomes even more important under these new limits. Private loans should be a last resort since they lack the protections and forgiveness options of federal loans.
Key Takeaways
- Grad PLUS loans end for new borrowers July 1, 2026, making early planning essential for students starting programs after this date.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans provide up to $20,500 annually, but new aggregate limits cap total graduate borrowing at $100,000.
- Graduate assistantships can cover 25-100% of tuition plus provide stipends of $3,000-$16,500 per year.
- ASHFoundation, Sertoma, and state-specific scholarships offer $1,000-$25,000 in funding that doesn’t need to be repaid.
- PSLF can forgive your remaining federal loan balance after 120 qualifying payments while working in public schools, nonprofits, or government settings.
- Choosing an affordable CAA-accredited program over a prestigious, expensive one is the most impactful decision for minimizing debt.
Ready to explore your options? Compare CAA-accredited SLP graduate programs to find the right fit for your goals and budget.