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2027 Most Affordable Speech Pathology Degree Programs Ranking in Arkansas

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Rhea Paul, PhD

Reviewed by Rhea Paul, PhD

SLP Education & Research Expert

Table of Contents

What can I expect from a speech pathology degree in Arkansas?

A speech pathology education path usually begins with a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders, speech-language-hearing sciences, or a related field, followed by a master's degree in speech-language pathology. The graduate degree is the professional credential that prepares students for supervised clinical work, national certification, and Arkansas licensure; a bachelor's degree is useful preparation but is not normally sufficient for SLP practice.

For students comparing undergraduate routes, an Arkansas-based major can lower the cost of prerequisite coursework and provide early exposure to phonetics, language development, audiology, and observation. For career changers with an unrelated bachelor's degree, a post-baccalaureate leveling sequence may be more efficient than earning a second full bachelor's degree, although it adds time and tuition before graduate enrollment.

The most important program-fit question is whether the degree supports the job you want. Students seeking direct diagnosis and treatment roles should prioritize a graduate program designed to meet professional standards. Students who prefer education support, behavior services, healthcare administration, or research may find that a related bachelor's degree, certificate, or another graduate discipline is a better financial fit.

Arkansas applicants should also plan for the transition from graduate school to professional practice. The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology sets state licensure requirements; these are separate from a university diploma and can include education, supervised experience, examination, and application requirements. Confirm current rules directly with the Board before enrolling, especially if you expect to complete clinical education online or work across state lines.

Where can I work with a speech pathology degree in Arkansas?

Speech-language pathologists work where communication, swallowing, cognitive-communication, and voice needs are assessed and treated. In Arkansas, the setting affects not only schedule and caseload but also the value of a program's clinical-placement network. Larger population centers can offer more hospital and specialty-clinic exposure, while rural and smaller-community placements may build experience with broad, high-need caseloads and telepractice.

The following comparison helps applicants connect a likely workplace with the preparation they should seek:

Work settingTypical focusProgram feature to compare
Public schoolsLanguage, speech sound disorders, literacy-related communication, and educational participationSchool-based practicum access and experience with individualized education planning
Hospitals and rehabilitationSwallowing, stroke, brain injury, voice, and medically complex careAdult medical placements and interdisciplinary clinical training
Outpatient clinics and private practicePediatric or adult evaluation and continuing therapyDepth of diagnostic, counseling, and documentation practice
Early interventionInfant and toddler communication, feeding, and family coachingPediatric placements and family-centered service experience
Skilled nursing and home healthAdult neurogenic disorders, dementia-related communication, and dysphagiaGerontology and dysphagia coursework plus adult clinical exposure

Do not assume a school's location determines all placements. Ask whether students can request or are assigned placements, whether travel is required, and whether the program has enough medical, pediatric, and school partners for your intended specialty.

2027 Most Affordable Speech Pathology Degree Programs Ranking in Arkansas

# 1 position

Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology

University of Central Arkansas logo

99.11

/ 100

Final score

Program length
6-semester program (fall, spring, summer) requiring six consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment; (40 academic + 14 clinical)
Required credits
54
Acceptance rate
46% (67 of 145 applications)
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~16% (11 of 67 offers)
Class size
31
Degrees granted
39
Application process
CSDCAS University online application
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes; prerequisite courses offered
Additional requirements
Comprehensive exam

Accreditation

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA

Status AccreditedID 0172af86-abd2-40f5-86e3-1ced14dd219bValid 2024-2032 Last known review scheduled for February 2032 Verify accreditation

University of Central Arkansas earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 99.11/100, supported by $22,032 total tuition + mandatory fees and 54 credits. Its Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2032, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2032.

Admissions data from ASHA EdFind (updated 09/01/2026)

# 2 position

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences logo

98.63

/ 100

Final score

Program length
Two years, five semesters (including one summer); full-time; fall entry
Required credits
57
Acceptance rate
90% (93 of 103 applications)
GPA range
3.47 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~19% (18 of 93 offers)
Application deadline
Fall admission: February 1
Class size
20
Degrees granted
25
Application process
CSDCAS University online application
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes
Additional requirements
Comprehensive exam; Capstone

Accreditation

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA

Status AccreditedID 486e292d-d12d-4d87-b2de-99fffc06b843Valid 2026-2033 Last known review scheduled for February 2032 Verify accreditation

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 98.63/100, supported by $23,142 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2033, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2032.

Admissions data from ASHA EdFind (updated 11/05/2025)

# 3 position

Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Arkansas logo

97.78

/ 100

Final score

Program length
Minimum 5 semesters (approximately 2 years)
Acceptance rate
52% (64 of 124 applications)
GPA range
3.59 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~8% (5 of 64 offers)
Application deadline
Fall admission: January 15
Class size
25
Degrees granted
24
Application process
CSDCAS
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes; prerequisite courses offered
Additional requirements
Comprehensive exam

Accreditation

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA

Status AccreditedID 1786847c-6dc3-4317-bb9e-9f668ca8b788Valid 2023-2031 Last known review scheduled for 2030 Verify accreditation

University of Arkansas earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.78/100, supported by $25,094 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2031, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2030.

Admissions data from ASHA EdFind (updated 10/27/2025)

# 4 position

Master of Communication Disorders (MCD)

Arkansas State University logo

96.93

/ 100

Final score

Program length
19 months (summer start to December graduation)
Required credits
51
Acceptance rate
71% (64 of 90 applications)
GPA range
3.40 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~6% (4 of 64 offers)
Application deadline
Summer admission: February 15
Class size
26
Degrees granted
21
Application process
CSDCAS University online application
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes; prerequisite courses offered
Additional requirements
Comprehensive exam; Thesis

Accreditation

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA

Status AccreditedID 1f01b8e3-1e50-4317-975a-3fe444174d66Valid 2019-2027 Verify accreditation

Arkansas State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 96.93/100, supported by $27,030 total tuition + mandatory fees and 19-month completion pathway. Its Master of Communication Disorders (MCD) is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2027, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2026.

Admissions data from ASHA EdFind (updated 08/28/2026)

# 5 position

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Harding University logo

90.52

/ 100

Final score

Program length
2 years full-time (5 semesters); 4 years part-time (10 semesters)
Required credits
60 semester hours
Acceptance rate
60% (57 of 95 applications)
GPA range
3.17 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~53% (30 of 57 offers)
Application deadline
Fall admission: February 15
Class size
20
Degrees granted
24
Application process
CSDCAS
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes; prerequisite courses offered; available online
Additional requirements
Comprehensive exam

Accreditation

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA

Status AccreditedID 89cd5297-43cd-4b19-b2a8-bcfd1b1ed77dValid 2025-2033 Last known review scheduled for August 2032 Verify accreditation

Harding University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 90.52/100, supported by $41,700 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2033, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2032.

Admissions data from ASHA EdFind (updated 08/25/2026)

Frequently asked questions about speech pathology degree in Arkansas

Do I need a master's degree to become a speech-language pathologist in Arkansas?

Generally, yes. A bachelor's degree is usually preparation for graduate study, while professional SLP practice requires graduate education and meeting Arkansas licensure requirements. Confirm current requirements with the Arkansas licensing board.

Are online speech pathology degrees accepted for Arkansas licensure?

They may be, but online coursework alone is not the issue. You must confirm the program's accreditation status, supervised clinical education plan, and whether it meets Arkansas requirements for the credential you seek.

What is the cheapest way to prepare for an SLP master's program?

For many students, completing required communication-disorders prerequisites efficiently at a public institution, earning strong grades, and avoiding unnecessary duplicate coursework can reduce cost. Compare total costs, not tuition alone.

Can I work while completing an SLP master's degree?

Some students work part-time, but intensive coursework and daytime clinical placements can limit availability. Ask each program about its clinical schedule before relying on employment income.

How long does it take to become an SLP after earning a bachelor's degree?

A full-time master's program commonly takes about two academic years, followed by any supervised post-graduate and licensing steps required in Arkansas. Students needing leveling coursework should plan for additional time.

Is speech pathology a good investment?

It can be for students committed to licensed clinical work who can complete the program, control borrowing, and access suitable employment. Evaluate net cost, completion likelihood, clinical fit, and local career goals before enrolling.

See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Speech Pathology

Read our interview with Speech Pathology experts

Rhea Paul

Rhea Paul

Speech Pathology Expert

Professor, Communication Disorders

Sacred Heart University

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