Best SLP Master's Programs 2025: Rankings & Grades

Q: Should I choose a program based on cost or outcomes?

The best choice balances both cost and outcomes. A slightly higher-cost program with excellent outcomes—such as a 100% Praxis pass rate and strong employment guarantees—may offer better long-term value than a lower-cost program with weaker results. Consider the total investment, including the number of years in the program. In-state public universities often offer the strongest value, while private or out-of-state programs may be worth the investment if scholarships or assistantships are available to offset higher costs.

Q: Do online SLP programs rank as well as on-campus programs?

Yes. Many online programs rank as highly as on-campus programs. CAA accreditation, not delivery format, determines program quality. Online programs must meet the same academic and clinical standards, including faculty qualifications, curriculum rigor, and clinical hour requirements. While coursework may be online, all CAA-accredited programs require in-person clinical practicums to meet ASHA certification requirements.

Q: How vital is the Praxis pass rate compared to the employment rate?

Both metrics are equally important but measure different strengths. The Praxis pass rate reflects how well a program prepares students for the national certification exam, while the employment rate reflects graduates’ success in securing professional positions. In the scoring system, each metric carries 30 points out of 100. Programs with 100% in both categories indicate exceptional preparation and strong career placement support.

Q: Can I get into a top-10 program with a 3.5 GPA?

Possibly. Admissions for top programs are holistic and competitive. A 3.5 GPA meets most minimum requirements, but highly competitive applicants often have GPAs of 3.7 or higher, strong GRE scores when required, relevant volunteer or work experience, and compelling personal statements. Applicants with slightly lower GPAs can strengthen their application with additional clinical observation hours, volunteer experience, or related work experience. Some highly rated programs have acceptance rates above 50%, making admission more accessible while still offering excellent training.

Q: Why do programs show 3-year average student achievement data?

Rankings use the most recent complete 3-year dataset available because it provides more reliable comparisons between programs with varying cohort sizes. Single-year data can be misleading—small fluctuations can disproportionately affect small programs. A 3-year average smooths these variations and creates fairer comparisons. While some programs publish more recent data on their own websites, consistent timeframes are necessary for accurate rankings. Prospective students should still verify current statistics directly with programs they are considering.

Q: What's the difference between CAA accreditation and state licensure?

CAA accreditation is a national recognition indicating that a master’s program meets ASHA’s academic and clinical standards. Graduating from a CAA-accredited program is required for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) and to sit for the Praxis exam. State licensure is a separate requirement that allows you to practice in a specific state. After completing a CAA-accredited program, passing the Praxis, and completing the Clinical Fellowship Year, graduates apply for licensure in the state where they plan to work. Some states require additional steps beyond ASHA certification.

Quick Answer

The best SLP master’s programs combine high Praxis pass rates (95%+), strong employment outcomes (95%+), on-time completion rates (90%+), and affordable tuition. Top-rated programs include Arkansas State (100% across all metrics), Marywood University, and Vanderbilt, with scores based on verified CAA student achievement data and affordability analysis.

Featured Programs:

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.
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.

Think of your master’s program as the foundation for your entire career. It’s the gateway to meeting your pre-professional experience requirements, and it qualifies you to take the Praxis exam required for state licensure and the CCC-SLP. And if you plan to work in the schools, even all this is just a step to the additional licensing you’re going to need.

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.

About Our Data

Rankings Based On: Most recent 3-year student achievement data from CAA-accredited programs. This represents the last complete dataset with verified outcomes across all programs at the time of analysis.

Methodology Updated: November 2025 – Our ranking formula and analysis approach remain current and applicable.

Why This Data: We use complete 3-year averages because single-year data can be misleading due to variations in cohort size. This approach provides the most reliable comparison across programs.

Note: Individual program websites may show more recent data. We recommend checking current statistics directly with the programs you’re seriously considering.

How We Ranked These Programs

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…

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 ensure we made a fair and accurate assessment of every program we considered…

Cost and Affordability Analysis

We started by finding the average annual tuition for schools offering SLP grad programs in each state, separately for state and private universities. This means that our cost assessment is always based on a comparison of tuition rates for public or private schools within a given state, not on an 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. More international students come to the U.S. for their graduate work. Some public universities are even beginning to offer graduate programs at in-state rates regardless of residency status to attract students and remain competitive.

On our 100-point scoring scale, cost and affordability account for 30 points.

Student Achievement Metrics

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 student achievement category: the percentage of students graduating on time, the rate of graduates who pass the Praxis exam, and the percentage of graduates who 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.

How to Use This Guide

Making the Most of These Rankings

Step 1: Understand the Grade System

Grade	Score Range	What It Means
A+	97.5-100	Exceptional across all metrics – top student outcomes and excellent value
A	92.5-97.4	Outstanding programs with strong performance in outcomes and cost
A-	90-92.4	Powerful programs that deliver exceptional value
B+	87.5-89.9	Powerful programs with excellent student success rates
B	82.5-87.4	Solid programs with good outcomes and reasonable costs
B-	80-82.4	Good programs meeting CAA standards

Step 2: Consider Your Priorities

If cost is your primary concern, look for programs with high affordability scores (30/30 or close to it). Public universities in your home state typically offer the best value.

If outcomes matter most: Focus on programs with perfect or near-perfect Praxis pass rates (100% or 95%+) and high employment rates (95%+).

If you’re considering out-of-state options, look for schools that offer in-state tuition to all students who maintain a minimum GPA, or private schools with competitive rates.

If you need flexibility: Some of the schools listed offer both on-campus and online options. Check individual program details for delivery format.

Step 3: Look Beyond the Grade

A B+ program might be perfect for you if it’s in your home state (lower tuition) or offers specializations you’re interested in. Don’t automatically dismiss programs with slightly lower overall scores if they excel in areas that matter most to you.

Step 4: Verify Current Information

Rankings provide a starting point, but you should:

Visit school websites for current tuition and student achievement data
Contact programs directly about scholarships and assistantships
Ask about clinical placement opportunities and specializations
Check if recent program changes have affected outcomes

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 2025 list of the best accredited master’s programs in SLP and Communication Sciences and Disorders available in the U.S.

Each one of these programs offers something unique, and all come equally highly recommended. We stand behind the principle of editorial integrity and make these recommendations independently and without compensation.

Top-Rated SLP Master’s Programs (A+)

A+

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 2024-25 Academic Year: 25
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,322 (All students who maintain a 3.0 minimum GPA pay this in-state rate regardless of residency status); $13,028 (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 with speech and swallowing issues. We don’t know of any other school that provides the same in-state tuition rate to all students who maintain a 3.0 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!

A+

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

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 2024-25 Academic Year: 22
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $12,951

Marywood’s tuition is among the most attractive on our list, all the more impressive given the pedigree of this private university. Marywood is also an excellent choice for educational continuity. Sure, you can enter the master’s program as a regular grad student. Still, 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+.

A+

Vanderbilt University
School of Medicine
Nashville, TN
Website

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

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 2024-25 Academic Year: 18
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $48,000

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, complemented by dedicated training tracks and elective courses focused on autism and feeding and swallowing disorders.

A+

Touro College
School of Health Sciences
Brooklyn, NY
Website

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 67.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 97.5 – A+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $17,200

Touro College’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology offers a variety of clinical experiences through the Speech and Hearing Center, which provides a wide array of services to all populations in underserved communities. The program achieves excellent outcomes, with a 100% pass rate on the Praxis exam and a 100% employment rate for recent graduates. Much of the clinical experience is conducted on-site, providing students with convenient access to diverse patient populations and real-world practice opportunities.

A+

Commonwealth University (Bloomsburg Campus)
Bloomsburg, PA
Website

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 67.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 97.5 – A+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98.8%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $12,140 (in-state), $17,000 (out-of-state)

The MS in Speech-Language Pathology program through Commonwealth University’s Bloomsburg campus (formerly Bloomsburg University) has held ASHA-CAA accreditation for more than 25 years. The program merged with Mansfield and Lock Haven universities in 2022 to form Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, though the Bloomsburg campus maintains its distinct identity and traditions. This program offers a variety of courses that allow students to focus their graduate program on specific areas, such as Voice Disorders, Craniofacial Disorders, and Motor Speech Disorders. Students gain hands-on experience with videostroboscopy and nasometry through the Clinical Instrumentation in Speech Pathology course.

A+

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

Master of Arts in Speech Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 67.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 97.5 – A+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 99%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $34,344

This Christian university (formerly Calvin College, now Calvin University) takes instruction in the healing arts seriously. Their pass, completion, and graduate employment rates all rank near the top of the stack, giving them a high A rating in our scoring system. Calvin University provides a breadth of experience and education through its liberal arts foundation. The school has a powerful chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association and strong ties with veterans’ 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 in this program travel to China to learn and serve in helping children with special needs, a type of practical experience in both life and SLP that few other programs can match.

A+

Duquesne University
Rangos School of Health Sciences
Pittsburgh, PA
Website

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 67.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 97.5 – A+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 96%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $22,212

Duquesne offers a five-year accelerated program that guarantees both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in SLP, providing the advantages of a fast-track with a stable cohort and instructors. The school maintains excellent outcomes with a 100% Praxis pass rate and 100% post-graduation employment rate, all at an affordable price for a respected private institution. The Rangos School of Health Sciences features state-of-the-art research labs and facilities. The Speech Perception/Production & Innovative Technology Lab allows students and faculty to work with advanced software, including tools for designing custom therapy materials. The program no longer accepts post-baccalaureate applicants and focuses exclusively on its integrated five-year track.

A+

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

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 67.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 97.5 – A+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 96%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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. The school maintains a perfect 100% Praxis pass rate for its graduates. The program 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.

A+

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 67.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 97.5 – A+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 95.3%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $14,515 (in-state), $17,400 (out-of-state)

Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s MS in SLP program delivers exceptional outcomes, with a 100% pass rate on the Praxis exam and a 100% employment rate among graduates. All students are supervised and mentored by faculty members right on-site in the Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, which contributes to these outstanding results. More than half of the students here receive graduate assistantships, which include partial or complete tuition remission and a stipend, making this already affordable program even more accessible.

A+

Minot State University
Department of Communication Disorders
Minot, ND
Website

Master of Science in Communication Disorders: Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 67.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 97.5 – A+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 96.3%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,240

This esteemed North Dakota public university easily earned a spot high on our list with perfect outcomes. Minot State University’s program achieves 100% of graduates passing the Praxis exam and 100% employment upon completing their degree. The program, the only CAA-accredited SLP program in the region, offers both traditional and distance learning tracks. Students complete clinical training through the MSU Speech and Hearing Clinic and diverse externship placements nationwide. Most interns are offered full-time positions upon completion. MSU has the only Vocal Function Laboratory in the region, and the program awards over $30,000 in student scholarships annually. All of this comes at just over $8,000 a year in tuition (all students pay in-state tuition).

A+

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 67.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 97.5 – A+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98.3%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $56,100

Northeastern is a private research university with a strong tradition of practice-oriented education. The SLP Graduate Program, within the Bouvé College of Health Sciences, emphasizes teamwork and interdisciplinary approaches to the provision of 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 maintains 100% pass and job-placement rates for graduates, despite graduating cohorts of more than 40 students each year.

A+

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 67.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 97.5 – A+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98.3%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $73,976

This private university, located outside San Bernardino, offers a speech-language pathology master’s program with excellent outcomes, including a 100% pass rate on the Praxis exam and a 100% post-graduation employment rate. The program provides warm, collaborative educational opportunities in SLP with a regular speaker series that keeps students and staff abreast of the latest developments in the field. In addition to the standard accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, the program also meets the requirements set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for Speech-Language Pathology Services.

A+

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 67.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 97.5 – A+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $88,320

The University of Tulsa SLP master’s program combines excellent Praxis exam pass rates with strong on-time completion rates and a 100% employment rate among graduates. As a private research university, TU has a strong reputation for involving both graduates and undergraduates in research efforts, giving students 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 Fulbright, Rhodes, and Marshall scholarship recipients among the student body in recent years.

A+

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 67.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 97.5 – A+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 97%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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. The experience pays off—St. Ambrose students enjoy a 100% pass rate on the national standard Praxis exam, a 100% employment rate after graduation, and 97% of students completing within the advertised timeframe. 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.

A-Rated SLP Master’s Programs (A/A-)

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

Master of Arts in Communication Sciences

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 95 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 96%
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 prepares highly competent clinician-researchers with integrity, strong ethical standards, and ongoing intellectual curiosity. The school’s chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association has achieved Bronze Status with the organization by working both within and outside the program to raise awareness of 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

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 95 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 94.5%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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 80th anniversary in 2015. It’s no surprise, then, that the school awarded 41 master’s degrees in 2016, almost twice the average program, and still had a 100% pass rate on the Praxis exam. 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

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 95 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 92.3%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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 Elizabeth Carrow-Woolfolk and Robert M. Woolfolk School of Communication Sciences and Disorders achieves a nearly 95% on-time completion rate. That number is even more impressive when you consider that every single one of those students both passed the national Praxis exam and found professional positions in the field after graduation. Our Lady’s program also distinguishes itself by offering a bilingual SLP option, equipping graduates with the knowledge and clinical skills to provide 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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 92.5 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 99%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 99%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $19,980

ACU offers its 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 interact with patients in an actual clinic regularly.

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

Master of Arts in Speech-Language and Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 92.5 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 95%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,184 (in-state), $13,050 (out-of-state)

Edinboro University’s MA in Speech-Language Pathology program delivers a 100% Praxis exam pass rate and a 95% employment rate among its recent graduates, demonstrating the program’s quality and commitment to student success. Small class sizes and affordable tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students make this an excellent choice. Edinboro’s SLP program has earned a solid reputation as a high-quality, results-driven program.

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 92.5 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 96%
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 the opportunity to work with a broad spectrum of patients from around the St. Louis area with a wide range of communication disorders. Students enjoy a focus on real-world clinical experience at Fontbonne through a program led 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: practice with deaf children and working with adults with neurogenic communication disorders.

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 92.5 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 96%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 96%
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, to the point that, even today, it remains officially bilingual in ASL (American Sign Language) and English across all instructional programs. Establishing a strong SLP program was a natural outgrowth of 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—the current president of the United States signs each graduate’s diploma. Although it has a small student body, 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

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 92.5 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 99%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 96.8%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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. The Clinic Bootcamp offered here is 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 then bring their collective findings together to conclude. The PBL method helps promote deep learning and clinical problem-solving skills.

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 92.5 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 97.3%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 99%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $28,975

Loyola’s Department of Speech-Language Hearing Sciences achieves a 100% pass rate on the Praxis exam, and 99% of graduates find professional positions in the field after graduation. A private Jesuit school with a serious focus on academic rigor and hands-on experience, Loyola offers 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 extensive program, each student receives individualized attention.

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

Master of Science in Communication Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 92.5 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 95%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $15,776

Mercy is a private research university situated on 60 scenic acres along the Hudson River in Dobbs Ferry, New York. It offers a surprisingly affordable option with excellent outcomes for SLP master’s students: a 100% pass rate on the Praxis Exam among graduates, and completion and job placement rates of over 95%. Although the program is extensive, each student has a faculty advisor who 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 opportunities for overseas experiences. The non-profit foundation, Healing the Children, facilitates volunteer trips to Thailand, Peru, and Colombia, where graduate students work with kids with orofacial clefts who might otherwise never receive professional SLP services.

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 92.5 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 98.3%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98.3%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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 undoubtedly one of the most affordable schools on our list, with annual tuition and fees under $8,000. Nonetheless, it’s a solid academic choice, with Praxis exam pass rates and on-time completion rates exceeding 98%. It’s also a good investment if you’re looking for a degree that will definitely get you a good job after graduation—100% of Mankato’s SLP graduates are placed in jobs they love.

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 92.5 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 97%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 96%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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, allowing you to study in small cohorts in 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% job placement rate, but also rank among the top income earners after graduation—a Georgetown University study ranked Molloy #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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 92.5 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 99.2%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 97.9%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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 therapeutic work in specialized venues, including the Audiology/Auditory Processing Diagnostic Clinic, Neurogenic Communication and Cognition Clinic, Kids Club, Language and Literacy Clinic, and 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

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 92.5 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 97%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 96%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $15,520

Rockhurst is a private Jesuit university that follows the precept of instructing students not only in their chosen degree program but also 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 through community-based practicum programs that provide 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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 92.5 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 98.5%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 99.3%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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 with a nearly 100% on-time completion rate. The program’s job placement rate is also a sterling 100% and the university’s name on your diploma will carry a lot of weight with hiring committees. 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.

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 92.5 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 86.7%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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 graduate programs for students facing real-world challenges. 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% pass rate on the national Praxis exam and a 100% job placement rate.

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 92.5 – A

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 95%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 97%
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 with ample opportunities to experience the best in clinical training and to build strong networks. The program features close faculty mentoring and professional SLP clinical supervisors who ensure that students here always have the support they need to succeed. The 100% pass rate on the Praxis exam among graduates speaks for itself.

A-

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 90 – A-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 94%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98%
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 character, good works, and Christian living in its 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.

A-

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 70/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 90 – A-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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, rapidly expanding campus is a lovely place to pursue your profession. With 100 percent job placement, on-time completion, and Praxis exam pass rates, it’s also a very effective program. JMU makes every effort to assist graduate students by automatically assessing them for graduate assistantships, positions that provide tuition assistance and valuable professional experience.

A-

Louisiana Tech University
Department of Communication Disorders
Ruston, LA
Website

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 70/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 90 – A-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,076 (in-state), $21,961 (out-of-state)

Louisiana Tech maintains exceptional outcomes across all key metrics—Praxis exam pass rates, on-time completion, and graduate employment —with 100 percent. The program delivers comprehensive training in SLP diagnosis and therapy across all specializations and patient populations while keeping tuition rates affordable for in-state students. The Speech and Hearing Center provides extensive hands-on clinical experience, complemented by partnerships with external facilities including hospitals, public schools, and pediatric therapy clinics throughout Louisiana. Students benefit from a well-rounded education that prepares them for immediate professional success upon graduation.

A-

Marquette University
College of Health Sciences
Milwaukee, WI
Website

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 90 – A-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
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 its 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, among others.

A-

North Carolina Central University
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Durham, NC
Website

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 70/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 90 – A-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,124 (in-state), $19,824 (out-of-state)

North Carolina Central University’s CAA-accredited program maintains strong outcomes and serves students through specialized clinical experiences. The NCCU Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services. At the same time, students gain specialized experience through the Assistive Technology for Infants and Preschoolers Program, the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Assessment and Consultation Clinic, and the Bilingual Clinic. The program emphasizes serving diverse populations and prepares graduates for both educational and medical settings throughout North Carolina and beyond.

A-

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 70/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 90 – A-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $15,920 (in-state), $29,210 (out-of-state)

The University of New Hampshire’s rigorous MS in Speech-Language Pathology program includes clinical work beginning 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, providing students with diverse clinical experiences across multiple settings and patient populations.

A-

University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
School of Health Sciences and Wellness
Stevens Point, WI
Website

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 70/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 90 – A-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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 achieves perfect outcomes across all key metrics—100% Praxis exam pass rates, 100% on-time completion, and 100% employment for graduates within a few months of graduation. Students benefit from the program’s innovative Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, which provides comprehensive clinical training in state-of-the-art facilities. The university maintains strong affiliations with numerous off-campus sites, including private practices, early intervention programs, schools, and skilled nursing facilities, ensuring students gain diverse clinical experiences that prepare them for professional success.

A-

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

Master of Arts or Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 70/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 90 – A-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $6,277 (in-state), $19,586 (out-of-state)

Utah State University achieves exceptional outcomes, with a 10 am pass rate on the Praxis exam for both its residential and distance education programs. The Speech-Language Hearing Center in the Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence provides master’s students with extensive clinical experience working with children and adults across diverse settings. Students also benefit from multiple research opportunities through the School-Age Language Lab, the Language and Aphasia Neuro-Rehabilitation Lab, and the Speech and Auditory Perception Lab. The program offers specialized training, including a Listening and Spoken Language emphasis, for those interested in working with young children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

A-

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

Master of Arts in Communication Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 70/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 90 – A-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,408 (in-state), $12,868 (out-of-state)

Southeast Missouri State University maintains a deliberately small SLP graduate program to ensure students receive personalized support and mentorship needed for professional excellence. The program achieves 100% employment within six months of graduation, demonstrating strong preparation for clinical practice. The newly renovated Center for Speech and Hearing features state-of-the-art facilities, including 10 treatment rooms, a diagnostic room with an observation area, 20 classrooms, and a specialized voice treatment room. Recent technology upgrades include a remote video observation system and digital recording capabilities, providing students with modern clinical training resources that mirror professional practice settings.

B+ Rated SLP Master’s Programs

B+

Chapman University
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Orange, CA
Website

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 70/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 18/30

Total Overall Score = 88 – B+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Total Program Cost: $79,590

Chapman University’s MS program in Communication Sciences and Disorders achieves perfect outcomes across all measures, with 100% Praxis pass rates, 100% on-time completion, and 100% employment placement. The program’s intensive two-year curriculum provides extensive clinical training through Chapman’s on-campus clinic and diverse community partnerships throughout Orange County. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized mentorship from faculty who are actively engaged in research. The program emphasizes interprofessional education and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates to serve diverse populations across educational and healthcare settings.

B+

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

Master of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences

Student Achievement Score: 70/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 18/30

Total Overall Score = 88 – B+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,647 (in-state), $23,214 (out-of-state)

Eastern Illinois University maintains perfect student achievement outcomes with 100% Praxis pass rates, 100% on-time completion, and 100% employment placement. The program provides extensive clinical training through EIU’s on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic and diverse external placements throughout central Illinois. Students receive individualized attention from faculty committed to excellence in teaching and mentorship. The program’s strong focus on evidence-based practice and clinical skill development prepares graduates to provide high-quality services across diverse settings and populations.

B+

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 66/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 22/30

Total Overall Score = 88 – B+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 93%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 97%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,092 (in-state), $8,492 (out-of-state)

Mississippi University for Women offers one of the most affordable SLP graduate programs in the nation, with minimal difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. The program maintains strong student achievement outcomes while providing personalized attention through small cohort sizes. Students gain clinical experience through MUW’s on-campus clinic and diverse community partnerships throughout northeast Mississippi. The program’s emphasis on serving rural and underserved populations prepares graduates to address critical workforce needs throughout the region.

B+

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

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 66.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 21/30

Total Overall Score = 87.5 – B+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 93%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,200 (in-state), $19,000 (out-of-state)

Ohio University’s program provides comprehensive preparation for clinical practice with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration. Students gain clinical experience through Ohio University’s on-campus clinic and diverse external placements throughout southeast Ohio and surrounding regions. The program benefits from its location in Appalachian Ohio, providing students with unique opportunities to serve rural and underserved communities. Faculty mentorship and research opportunities enhance the academic experience while preparing graduates for diverse career paths.

B+

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 67.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 87.5 – B+

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 96%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,326 (in-state), $14,652 (out-of-state)

The University of South Alabama’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program demonstrates outstanding outcomes, with a 100% pass rate on the Praxis exam and 100% employment among graduates. The program offers extensive clinical practicum experiences both at its on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic and through numerous affiliate clinics, schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers throughout the Mobile region. Students gain hands-on experience with diverse populations while benefiting from state-of-the-art facilities and strong faculty mentorship. The affordable tuition, combined with exceptional student achievement scores, makes this program an excellent value.

B and B- Rated SLP Master’s Programs

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

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 90.5%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $14,426 (in-state), $34,262 (out-of-state)

The University of Vermont easily earns a spot on our list of the top SLP graduate programs in the nation for several 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

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 93%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $10,543 (in-state), $21,603 (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 from the fact that 100% of recent graduates passed the Praxis exam on the first try and all landed jobs within just a few months of graduating. We love that affiliated clinical practicum opportunities are available at a variety of rural and urban sites, providing students with the chance to work with diverse patient populations in the community and on-site through the UW-Whitewater Center for Communicative Disorders.

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

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 96.7%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $12,342 (in-state), $30,052 (out-of-state)

Ball State University is impressive, to say the least. There are 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 apply what they’ve learned in the classroom 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.

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

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 96%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,400 (in-state), $17,100 (out-of-state)

A highly individualized approach is standard at CUNY – Queens College. Students in the MA in SLP program enjoy small class sizes and a fantastic faculty that always seems to find 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 offer opportunities to engage with and discuss contemporary issues in 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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 98.7%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $41,495

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 with a truly exceptional graduate 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

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 99%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,655 (in-state), $16,400 (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 it offers 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 extensive student support, as evidenced by the 100 percent on-time program completion rate and the 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

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 92%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $16,502 (in-state), $34,550 (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 MS in CSD graduates are no exception. The 100% Praxis exam pass rate and 100% employment rate among recent graduates speak 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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 55/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 97.3%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 78.7%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $4,110

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

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 96.7%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,589 (in-state), $15,971 (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 service-learning laboratory where graduate 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

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 90.6%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $13,878 (in-state), $27,389 (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

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 94.3%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,520 (in-state), $20,860 (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: a 100 percent employment rate and a 100 percent on-time completion rate. 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

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 91%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,200

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

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

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: $10,340 (in-state), $19,860 (out-of-state)

At LSU, SLP grad students get an unrivaled learning experience through flipped classrooms, simulated learning, and 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 its 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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

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: 99%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 96.7%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $12,102 (includes $100/credit clinical program fee)

Southern Illinois University is committed to the success of its SLP grad students. The 100 percent Praxis exam pass rate, near-perfect on-time program completion rate, and employment rates among recent graduates back 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 at least eight fully equipped treatment rooms and an observation suite.

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 82.5 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 99.3%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 96.3%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,570 (in-state), $28,241 (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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

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: 97.8%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 97.8%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $10,291 (in-state), $16,283 (out-of-state)

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

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

Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 82.5 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 97.33%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 95.3%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,996 (in-state), $20,076 (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 diverse research interests and clinical expertise, ensuring 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

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 82.5 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 98.3%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 99%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,996 (in-state), $20,076 (out-of-state)

California State University – Fresno is part of the larger University of California system, so students here enjoy the many benefits of attending a large, big-name university, while still receiving the kind of individualized instruction and mentorship that can only come from a community-based campus like Fresno State. 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

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: 96.3%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98.3%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,688 (in-state), $18,768 (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 that affords them access to countless clinical sites, including hospitals, nursing homes, private practices, 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 have one-on-one classroom and clinical interactions with faculty members and clinical mentors, which undoubtedly 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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

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: 97.3%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98.7%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,398 (in-state), $20,828 (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 evidenced by 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

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 82.5 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 98.7%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98.7%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $10,794 (in-state), $14,628 (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 and Hearing Clinic, which serves more than 100 clients each year.

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

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

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: 95.7%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98.7%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $14,106 (in-state), $29,892 (out-of-state)

Eastern Washington University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers its MS in CSD through a program that produces graduates who consistently ace the Praxis exam, with a 100% pass rate among recent grads. A prime downtown Spokane location means easy access to a wealth of clinical experiences. 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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 82.5 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 97%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 96.7%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $4,949 (in-state), $12,745 (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

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 82.5 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 96%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 97.1%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $12,483 (in-state), $23,352 (out-of-state)

The Master of Arts program at Kent State University is an excellent option for Ohio students interested in teaching through immersive, hands-on training. Clinical practical experiences take place both on-campus and 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 Dominion University
Communication Disorders & Special Education Department
Norfolk, Virginia
Website

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

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: 86.1%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $15,390 (in-state), $36,174 (out-of-state)

The SLP graduate program at Old Dominion University keeps students sharp and engaged through diverse learning methods, including 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 become certified by ASHA upon graduation, with graduating classes consistently achieving a 100% pass rate on the Praxis exam.

Rush University
Communication Disorders & Sciences Department
Chicago, Illinois
Website

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98.8%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $37,170

The Department of Communication Disorders & Sciences at Rush has a clear mission: to provide an outstanding graduate-level education in accordance with the teacher-practitioner model, with a commitment to the best patient care and excellence in research, to deliver the highest-quality SLP services to diverse communities. Rush University’s master’s program in SLP offers students the option of either a thesis or a non-thesis track. The program includes clinical experiences that focus on 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

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 52.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 30/30

Total Overall Score = 82.5 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 98%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98.7%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 93.7%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $36,227

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

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: 98.3%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98.3%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $10,357 (in-state), $20,312 (out-of-state)

The Communication Sciences & Disorders Department at UW-River Falls earns bragging rights for graduating classes that consistently achieve a 100% pass rate on the Praxis exam. 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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 85%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,422 (in-state), $21,822 (out-of-state)

The SLP program at the University of Wyoming emphasizes learning by doing. It introduces students to the local SLP professional community through clinical rotations in nearby Cheyenne, Laramie, and 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 why 100% of students graduate on tim,e and all graduates land great jobs shortly after completing the program.

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

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: 88%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $13,290 (in-state), $13,683 (out-of-state)

Western Illinois University’s SLP master’s program prepares students for successful careers through 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

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 82.5 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 98.3%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 99%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $16,963 (in-state), $24,211 (out-of-state)

This SLP instruction plan at William Paterson University is complemented by numerous research seminars, externship rotations, and trips to the school’s on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic. Graduates typically enter 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 upon completing the program.

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

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

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: 95%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 95.5%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,830 (in-state), $21,308 (out-of-state)

If you want a school that will provide you with an excellent 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 North Carolina – Greensboro
School of Health and Human Sciences
Greensboro, NC
Website

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

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: 98.5%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,753 (in-state), $21,202 (out-of-state)

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro has prepared speech-language pathologists for nearly 50 years. It has achieved exceptional outcomes, with a 100% Praxis exam pass rate, a 98.5% on-time completion rate, and a 98% employment rate. The program ranks #2 nationally among best-value programs and has earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the top speech-language pathology graduate programs in the country. Students benefit from nationally and internationally recognized faculty and gain diverse clinical experiences with different patient populations through the on-campus clinic. The program offers both traditional on-campus and online options.

California State University, Long Beach
Department of Speech-Language Pathology
Long Beach, CA
Website

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 67.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 19/30

Total Overall Score = 86.5 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 89.5%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,898 (in-state), $18,978 (out-of-state)

California State University, Long Beach, offers a comprehensive five-semester cohort-based master’s program that consistently achieves outstanding student outcomes. The program demonstrates excellence with 100% Praxis pass rates and 100% employment within six months of graduation. Students complete 400 direct clinical contact hours across diverse settings, including full semesters dedicated to school-based and medical/private practice internships. The program’s curriculum emphasizes cultural competence and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates to work effectively with individuals from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. CSULB’s Speech and Language Clinic serves as both a clinical and research laboratory where students gain hands-on experience under faculty supervision before transitioning to external placements.

East Carolina University
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Greenville, NC
Website

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 65/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 21/30

Total Overall Score = 86 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 95%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,658 (in-state), $20,807 (out-of-state)

East Carolina University’s program combines affordability with strong academic and clinical preparation. Students benefit from ECU’s location in eastern North Carolina, which provides access to diverse clinical placements in both rural and urban settings. The program maintains close partnerships with local schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities, ensuring students gain comprehensive experience across the lifespan. ECU’s emphasis on serving underserved populations and commitment to preparing graduates for work in medically underserved areas distinguishes the program within the region.

Marshall University
Department of Communication Disorders
Huntington, WV
Website

Master of Science in Communication Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 82.5 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 97%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 98%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $10,190 (in-state), $23,660 (out-of-state)

Marshall University’s program demonstrates consistent excellence with near-perfect outcomes across all measures. Students gain comprehensive clinical experience through Marshall’s on-campus clinic and extensive community partnerships throughout West Virginia and the tri-state region. The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice while maintaining strong connections with regional healthcare systems and school districts. Graduates are well-prepared to address the communication and swallowing needs of diverse populations in both educational and medical settings.

Minnesota State University Moorhead
Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Moorhead, MN
Website

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 21/30

Total Overall Score = 83.5 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 95%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 97%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,537

Minnesota State University Moorhead’s program provides excellent preparation for clinical practice with strong student outcomes and affordable tuition. The program benefits from its location in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, which offers diverse clinical opportunities in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Students receive personalized attention through small cohort sizes and close faculty mentorship. The program’s curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and cultural competence, preparing graduates to serve Minnesota’s diverse communities effectively.

Portland State University
Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences
Portland, OR
Website

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 62.5/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 21/30

Total Overall Score = 83.5 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 92%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 95%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: Nearly 100%
Estimated Total Program Cost: $31,380 (in-state), $46,320 (out-of-state)

Portland State University’s program leverages its urban location to provide students with unmatched clinical training opportunities throughout the Portland metropolitan area. Students complete their first-year clinical practica at Portland’s only on-campus speech and hearing clinic before transitioning to full-time community internships at prestigious sites including Oregon Health & Science University, Providence Health & Services, and Portland Public Schools. The program offers specialty graduate-level concentrations in bilingualism and medical practice, with multiculturalism infused throughout the curriculum. Graduates achieve nearly 100% employment placement, demonstrating strong preparation for professional practice.

Towson University
Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Towson, MD
Website

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 70/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 15/30

Total Overall Score = 85 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Total Program Cost: $44,340 (in-state), $80,100 (out-of-state)

Towson University achieves perfect student outcomes across all measures while providing exceptional clinical training through state-of-the-art facilities. The department operates the Speech & Language Center and the Hearing & Balance Center at the Institute for Well-being, offering students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and diverse patient populations. Over the past two years, 100% of students passed the Praxis Examination for certification. Towson’s suburban metropolitan location provides access to numerous clinical sites, including area hospitals, schools, private practices, and rehabilitation facilities. Ninety percent of courses are taught by full-time doctoral faculty who maintain active research programs and engage students in applied clinical research.

University of Montana
Department of Speech, Language, Hearing, and Occupational Sciences
Missoula, MT
Website

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 70/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 14/30

Total Overall Score = 84 – B

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: Base tuition plus $7,004 program-specific fee

The University of Montana achieves perfect student outcomes with 100% Praxis pass rates, 100% on-time completion, and 100% employment placement. As Montana’s only speech-language pathology program, UM serves the entire state while offering both residential and distance education options. Students gain extensive clinical experience through the RiteCare Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic beginning their first semester, with subsequent off-campus practica arranged throughout Montana and across the country. The program emphasizes interprofessional education and research opportunities, preparing graduates with the skills necessary to provide effective services across diverse environments, particularly in rural areas where Montana’s population is concentrated.

B-

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 98%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 91%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,158 (In-State), $16,808 (Out-of-State)

University of DC’s master’s in SLP emphasizes improving the quality of life for patients with speech disorders and examines 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.

B-

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 78%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $11,366 (In-State), $26,486 (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. Students are invited to participate in off-campus clinical experiences through area school systems, long-term health care facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes.

B-

Governors State University
Communication Disorders Department
University Park, Illinois
Website

Master of Health Science in Communication Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 97%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 92%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $9,268 (In-State), $16,636 (Out-of-State)

Governors State University offers an affordable Master of Health Science in Communication Disorders with hands-on clinical training in the on-campus clinic and partnerships with area schools, hospitals, and healthcare facilities. The program combines rigorous coursework with extensive practicum opportunities, preparing graduates to serve diverse populations across the Chicago Southland region and beyond.

B-

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 83%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $21,012 (Campus), $26,393 (Online)

Idaho State University makes 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, as well as a super-convenient online option. The curriculum includes full-time externships where students gain experience working with clients across the lifespan and addressing a full range of speech and swallowing disorders. The stats above apply to the Pocatello campus. At Meridian, they differed only slightly: Praxis exam pass rate – 100%; on-time program completion rate – 81%; and Employment rate – 100%.

B-

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 94.7%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 99%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $10,218 (In-State), $13,062 (Out-of-State)

Illinois State University’s MS in SLP allows students to tailor their learning experience through electives that prepare them to specialize in medical or school-based practice, as well as in bilingualism. Department faculty includes clinical coordinators who help connect students with more than 500 affiliate sites that accommodate internships.

B-

Jackson State University
Communicative Disorders Department
Jackson, Mississippi
Website

Master of Science in Communication Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 84%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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. In addition to being ready for the CCC-SLP and state licensure from the Mississippi State Department of Health, graduates also qualify for the Class AA Standard Educator–SLP License through the State Department of Education.

B-

LIU Post
Communication Sciences & Disorders
Brookville, New York
Website

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 70/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 10/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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 alongside other therapists and practitioners, including applied behavior analysts and physical and occupational therapists. Aside from the basic CAA-approved course requirements, students have the opportunity to apply 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.

B-

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

Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 94%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98.7%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $10,896 (In-State), $25,272 (Out-of-State)

At Longwood University, SLP graduate students enjoy small class sizes that offer many 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 build interprofessional relationships.

B-

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 70/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 10/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $33,130

In addition to its highly rated speech-language master’s degree program, Misericordia University also offers an option for undergrads with their sights set on becoming board-certified SLPs: 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.

B-

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 91.6%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98.8%
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 offers its SLP graduate students a very affordable option and a personalized experience, complete with close faculty mentorship and small class sizes.

B-

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

Master’s in Communication Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 94.2%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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, as evidenced by the 100 percent employment rate among graduates over the past several years. While this university is large enough to offer plenty of opportunities, clinical experiences, and top-notch laboratories, it still maintains a small-school atmosphere.

B-

Northeastern State University
Department of Health Professions
Tahlequah, OK
Website

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 93%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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.

B-

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

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 93%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 96.7%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $12,128 (in-state), $20,039 (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 bring outstanding research credentials. Ohio State also offers several interdisciplinary graduate 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.

B-

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

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
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 prominent, 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. The program also offers students the option of specializing in bilingualism—a great addition to any SLP graduate program.

B-

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

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 90.6%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 99%
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 in its student body, but it still maintains 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.

B-

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 81%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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, as 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 resource for the community and graduate programs 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.

B-

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 93.9%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98.9%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,700 (in-state), $16,080 (out-of-state)

North Texas offers super-competitive in-state tuition, a 100 percent Praxis exam pass rate, and the UNT Speech and Hearing Center, where graduate students can dive deep and gain valuable, real-world experience treating clients in a 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.

B-

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

Master of Education in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 92%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $5,958 (in-state), $17,460 (out-of-state)

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

B-

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 90.7%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 97%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $8,911 (in-state), $18,042 (out-of-state)

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is all about convenience and flexibility, which is why it offers both a residential and an 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 a three-year, part-time program for working professionals or those who 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% of their graduates are employed in the profession within 1 year of graduation.

B-

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

Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 98%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 94%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Academic Year: $7,986 (in-state), $16,873 (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 range 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.

B-

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

Master of Arts or Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 70/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 10/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 100%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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 offers two options for its master’s program in speech-language pathology, which is not common 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 S, and you’ll focus your degree on additional coursework in a foreign language or a thesis. In either case, you’ll be well prepared to ace the Praxis exam and hit the ground running.

B-

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

Master of Science in Communicative Disorders

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 96%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 91.3%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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.

B-

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

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

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 100%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 91.7%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 98.7%
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 (an employment rate near 99 percent) and for ensuring that all students complete the program on time. But we love its three-year leveling track option, a program feature explicitly designed for students who didn’t complete their undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders. Students who 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.

B-

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

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Student Achievement Score: 60/70

Cost and Affordability Score: 20/30

Total Overall Score = 80 – B-

Praxis Exam Pass Rate: 97.2%
On-Time Program Completion Rate: 92.7%
Employment Rate for Program Graduates: 100%
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.

Master’s 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.

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

Metric	Performance Range	Points Awarded
Praxis 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)	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

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 the average across all graduate programs offered by that school.

All cost and affordability scores are based on how each program’s costs compare to the average within its state and within its 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 is no more than 25% higher than for in-state students: 10 points*

Note: As a rule, for schools that offer the 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 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 to be more competitive and attract international students and students from other parts of 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. Still, because the same restrictions don’t bind private universities, their rates can vary widely from the mean and fall outside the allowable range for awarding points. By including this category, we created a more equitable scoring system that ensured both public and private schools had an equal chance of qualifying for our list.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes an SLP program “top-rated” in these rankings?

Top-rated programs earn grades of A or A+ by excelling in both student outcomes and affordability. Specifically, they demonstrate high Praxis exam pass rates (typically 95%+), strong employment rates for graduates (95%+), excellent on-time completion rates (90%+), and competitive tuition costs compared to similar programs in their state. The highest-rated programs achieve 100% in all three outcome metrics while maintaining costs at or below state averages for their category (public or private).

Should I choose a program based on cost or outcomes?

The best choice considers both factors together. A slightly more expensive program with a 100% Praxis pass rate and employment guarantee may offer better value than a cheaper program with lower success rates. Consider your total investment (tuition × years) against expected outcomes. In-state public universities often provide the optimal balance of quality and affordability. If considering out-of-state or private schools, look for programs that offer assistantships or scholarships to offset higher costs while providing valuable clinical experience.

Do online SLP programs rank as well as on-campus programs?

Yes, many online programs achieve the same high rankings as traditional on-campus programs. What matters is CAA accreditation, not delivery format. Online programs must meet the same rigorous standards for clinical hours, faculty qualifications, and curriculum as on-campus programs. Some students find that online programs offer greater flexibility for working professionals while maintaining the same level of education quality. However, all CAA-accredited programs, whether online or on-campus, require in-person clinical practicums to meet ASHA certification requirements.

How vital is the Praxis pass rate compared to the employment rate?

Both metrics are critical but serve different purposes. The Praxis pass rate indicates how well a program prepares you for the national certification exam required to practice. Employment rate shows how successfully graduates transition into professional positions. In our scoring system, Praxis and employment rates each carry 30 points (out of 100 total), reflecting their equal importance. Programs with 100% in both categories demonstrate they not only prepare you to pass the exam but also position you for career success. A program with excellent Praxis rates but lower employment rates may indicate geographic limitations or a lack of networking opportunities.

Can I get into a top-10 program with a 3.5 GPA?

Possibly, but admission to highly-ranked programs is holistic and competitive. A 3.5 GPA meets the minimum for most programs, but competitive applicants typically have 3.7+ GPAs, strong GRE scores (when required), relevant volunteer or work experience, and compelling personal statements. Top programs look for evidence of commitment to the field, clinical observation hours, and strong letters of recommendation. If your GPA is slightly lower, strengthen other application areas by gaining more clinical observation hours, volunteering with relevant populations, or pursuing related work experience. Some excellent programs on this list have acceptance rates above 50%, making admission more attainable while still offering outstanding education.

Why do programs show 3-year average student achievement data?

Our rankings use the most recent complete 3-year dataset available at the time of analysis. We use 3-year averages rather than single-year data because they provide more reliable comparisons across programs with varying cohort sizes. Single-year data can be misleading—a small program with one unsuccessful student in a graduating class of 10 would show a 90% rate. In contrast, a larger program might show 98% despite having more successful graduates. The 3-year average smooths these variations. While individual schools may post more recent data on their websites, comparing programs reasonably requires consistent timeframes. We recommend checking current statistics directly with the programs you’re seriously considering.

What’s the difference between CAA accreditation and state licensure?

CAA accreditation is a national program recognition ensuring a master’s program meets ASHA’s academic and clinical standards. Graduating from a CAA-accredited program is required to qualify for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) and to sit for the Praxis exam. State licensure is a separate requirement to practice in specific states. After earning your degree from a CAA-accredited program, passing the Praxis, and completing your Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY), you apply for state licensure in the state(s) where you plan to work. Some states have additional requirements beyond ASHA certification.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Choosing an SLP Master’s Program

CAA accreditation is non-negotiable. Only programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation qualify you for ASHA certification and state licensure. Every program on this list meets this essential requirement.
Perfect scores are possible and numerous. Three programs (Arkansas State, Marywood, and Vanderbilt) achieved 100/100 scores with perfect student outcomes and excellent affordability. More than 100 programs scored B- or better, giving you plenty of wonderful options.
In-state public universities often provide the best value. Many top-rated programs are affordable state schools with outstanding outcomes. If you’re considering out-of-state options, look for schools offering in-state rates for high-performing students or strong financial aid packages.
Student outcomes matter more than prestige. A B+ program with 100% Praxis pass rates and employment guarantees offers better value than a prestigious program with lower success rates. Focus on metrics that directly impact your career: exam pass rates, completion rates, and job placement.
Use these rankings as your starting point, not your final decision. Visit programs, talk to current students and recent graduates, verify current statistics, and assess program culture fit. The “best” program is the one that aligns with your career goals, learning style, financial situation, and life circumstances.
Financial aid can dramatically change the equation. Many programs offer graduate assistantships that include tuition remission and stipends. A more expensive program might cost less out-of-pocket if you receive a full assistantship with benefits.

Featured Programs:

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.
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.

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Sarah Keller

Sarah M. Keller, MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist with 15 years of experience in pediatric clinics and university training programs. She earned her master’s in speech-language pathology from a CAHPS-accredited program in the Midwest and supervised clinical practicums for online and hybrid SLP cohorts. Sarah now advises students on graduate school applications, clinical fellowships, and state licensure. She lives in Colorado with her family and golden retriever.

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