Research.com is an editorially independent organization with a carefully engineered commission system that’s both transparent and fair. Our primary source of income stems from collaborating with affiliates who compensate us for advertising their services on our site, and we earn a referral fee when prospective clients decided to use those services. We ensure that no affiliates can influence our content or school rankings with their compensations. We also work together with Google AdSense which provides us with a base of revenue that runs independently from our affiliate partnerships. It’s important to us that you understand which content is sponsored and which isn’t, so we’ve implemented clear advertising disclosures throughout our site. Our intention is to make sure you never feel misled, and always know exactly what you’re viewing on our platform. We also maintain a steadfast editorial independence despite operating as a for-profit website. Our core objective is to provide accurate, unbiased, and comprehensive guides and resources to assist our readers in making informed decisions.

2027 Most Affordable Speech Pathology Degree Programs Ranking in New Jersey

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 New Jersey?

For most students, the relevant professional degree is a master's in speech-language pathology, communication disorders, or communication sciences and disorders. It prepares graduates to assess and treat communication, swallowing, voice, language, fluency, and cognitive-communication disorders across the lifespan. A bachelor's program in communication sciences and disorders is usually a preparation pathway, not a route to independent SLP practice.

New Jersey master's students should expect sequenced academic coursework, supervised clinical practicum, off-campus placements, and a final comprehensive requirement determined by the school. Clinical education is central: programs place students with populations such as children in schools, adults in rehabilitation, and medically complex patients. Placement schedules can limit the ability to maintain full-time employment, particularly during later clinical rotations.

For licensure planning, prioritize a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) or one that clearly documents how its curriculum supports New Jersey requirements. The New Jersey State Board of Examiners expects applicants to meet state-specific education, supervised experience, and examination standards. Accreditation supports eligibility planning, but graduation itself does not automatically confer a license.

This path fits students who want direct clinical responsibility and can commit to graduate-level science, documentation, and supervised care. It may not fit someone seeking a fast, low-cost credential for immediate independent practice; consider speech-language pathology assistant roles where available, special education, behavior support, or allied-health administration if the master's-level clinical pathway is not aligned with your goal.

Where can I work with a speech pathology degree in New Jersey?

New Jersey's dense population and proximity to the New York and Philadelphia metropolitan labor markets create varied placement and employment settings. School districts are a common destination for clinicians serving students with speech, language, and communication needs. Healthcare settings include hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, pediatric clinics, and early-intervention providers.

The setting affects both the workday and the credential mix employers may prefer. The comparison below can help applicants ask programs whether their clinical placements expose them to the populations they hope to serve.

Work settingTypical focusWhy it matters when choosing a program
Public schoolsStudent evaluations, individualized education plans, classroom collaborationAsk about school-based practicum opportunities and preparation for education-system documentation.
Hospitals and rehabilitationAdult neurogenic disorders, dysphagia, acute and post-acute careLook for medically oriented coursework and adult clinical placements.
Private practice and outpatient clinicsPediatric language, articulation, fluency, voice, family counselingConfirm breadth of pediatric assessment and intervention experience.
Long-term care and home healthSwallowing, cognition, functional communication, caregiver trainingConsider travel expectations and exposure to older-adult populations.
Early interventionBirth-to-three development and family-centered servicesAsk whether placements include young children and interprofessional teams.

Applicants who expect to work across state lines should verify every destination state's rules before enrolling. New Jersey licensure does not eliminate separate licensure, educator-certification, or telepractice requirements elsewhere.

2027 Most Affordable Speech Pathology Degree Programs Ranking in New Jersey

# 1 position

Master of Arts (MA) in Speech-Language Pathology

Montclair State University logo

87.70

/ 100

Final score

Program length
6-8 semesters
Required credits
54
Acceptance rate
44% (120 of 273 applications)
GPA range
3.50 - 3.99
Offers with funding
~6% (7 of 120 offers)
Application deadline
Fall: February 15; Summer: rolling until full.
Class size
50
Degrees granted
43
Application process
CSDCAS
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes; prerequisite courses offered
Additional requirements
Capstone

Accreditation

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

Status AccreditedID a65a5981-af3e-4857-96f9-1d67808bb100Valid 2025-2033 Last known review scheduled for August 2032 Verify accreditation

Montclair State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 87.7/100, supported by $48,168 total tuition + mandatory fees and 6–8-semester completion pathway. Its Master of Arts (MA) 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 10/30/2025)

# 2 position

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP)

Stockton University logo

80.75

/ 100

Final score

Program length
Five consecutive semesters including one summer term (two years, full-time)
Required credits
63
Acceptance rate
19% (32 of 165 applications)
GPA range
3.25 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~50% (16 of 32 offers)
Application deadline
Rolling Admission Fall admission: Opens July 15, 2026, and closes on March 20, 2027 (until the cohort is filled)
Class size
32
Degrees granted
28
Application process
CSDCAS
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes
Additional requirements
Comprehensive exam

Accreditation

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

Status AccreditedID a2f380ee-1fe7-4fd2-8bc9-2c8da9980aaaValid 2021-2029 Last known review scheduled for August 2028 Verify accreditation

Stockton University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 80.75/100, supported by $64,071 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2029, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2028.

Admissions data from ASHA EdFind (updated 08/18/2026)

# 3 position

MS Program in Speech-Language Pathology

William Paterson University of New Jersey logo

79.63

/ 100

Final score

Program length
two years of full-time academic study and clinical training (up to three years for students needing prerequisites)
Required credits
60
Acceptance rate
50% (120 of 242 applications)
GPA range
3.10 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~8% (10 of 120 offers)
Application deadline
Fall admission: February 1
Class size
45
Degrees granted
35
Application process
CSDCAS University online application
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes; prerequisite courses offered
Additional requirements
Comprehensive exam; Capstone

Accreditation

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

Status AccreditedID c07a8755-1bb5-4870-8411-481d5f24c9a4Valid 2021-2029 Last known review scheduled for February 2029 Verify accreditation

William Paterson University of New Jersey earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 79.63/100, supported by $66,637 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its MS Program in Speech-Language Pathology is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2029, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2029.

Admissions data from ASHA EdFind (updated 08/05/2026)

# 4 position

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.S.L.P.)

Seton Hall University logo

77.22

/ 100

Final score

Program length
5 semesters (2 years)
Required credits
65
Acceptance rate
74% (159 of 215 applications)
GPA range
3.02 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~100% (159 of 159 offers)
Application deadline
Fall admission: Feb. 1
Class size
59
Degrees granted
32
Application process
CSDCAS
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes; prerequisite courses offered; available online
Additional requirements
Portfolio

Accreditation

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

Status AccreditedID a3afa0b4-5b77-4ce8-936a-ed4763ec31cbValid 2022-2030 Last known review scheduled for August 2029 Verify accreditation

Seton Hall University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 77.22/100, supported by $72,140 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.S.L.P.) is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2030, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2029.

Admissions data from ASHA EdFind (updated 10/24/2025)

# 5 position

Master of Science in Education (M.S. Ed.) in Speech-Language Pathology

Monmouth University logo

70.71

/ 100

Final score

Program length
2 years
Required credits
60
Acceptance rate
52% (115 of 220 applications)
GPA range
3.00 - 3.90
Offers with funding
~3% (4 of 115 offers)
Application deadline
Summer admission: February 1
Class size
44
Degrees granted
47
Application process
CSDCAS
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes; prerequisite courses offered; available online
Additional requirements
Portfolio

Accreditation

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

Status AccreditedID 70d1c8f8-37d2-4eb9-8f17-68d1d66c4770Valid 2023-2031 Last known review scheduled for February 2031 Verify accreditation

Monmouth University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 70.71/100, supported by $87,060 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Speech-Language Pathology is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2031, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2031.

Admissions data from ASHA EdFind (updated 09/12/2025)

Frequently asked questions about speech pathology degree in New Jersey

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

Yes. Independent professional practice requires graduate-level education that meets state requirements, along with supervised experience, examination requirements, and New Jersey licensure. Confirm the current rules with the New Jersey licensing board before enrolling.

Is a communication sciences bachelor's degree enough to work as an SLP?

No. It is commonly the academic foundation for a master's program, but it is not the terminal professional credential for independent speech-language pathology practice.

Can I enter a New Jersey SLP master's program with an unrelated bachelor's degree?

Often, yes, but you may need prerequisite or leveling courses. Each school determines which courses must be completed before admission and whether any may be taken after enrollment.

Are online speech pathology degrees accepted for New Jersey licensure?

An online or hybrid program may be viable if it is appropriately accredited, authorized to enroll New Jersey residents, and provides clinical training that meets state requirements. Verify these points in writing with both the school and the licensing board.

How should I compare affordable programs?

Compare net cost after grants, total required credits and terms, clinical-placement travel, ability to work while enrolled, graduation policies, and accreditation. The lowest tuition is not always the lowest total cost.

Is speech pathology a good career investment?

It can be for students who want a regulated clinical career and can complete the master's with manageable debt. Evaluate your likely borrowing, time out of the workforce, local job preferences, and realistic earnings - not national salary figures alone.

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

Do you have any feedback for this article?

Related Articles
2027 Easiest SLP Programs to Get Into thumbnail
Degrees SEP 3, 2026

2027 Easiest SLP Programs to Get Into

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD
2027 How to Make a Career Change from Teacher to SLP Speech Pathologist thumbnail
2027 Best Online Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology thumbnail
2027 Online Communication Disorders Degree Programs Costs: Tuition & Fees thumbnail
2027 Can You Get a Speech Pathology Degree Master's Without a Related Bachelor's Degree? thumbnail
2027 Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants for Speech Pathology Students thumbnail
Speech language pathology SEP 3, 2026

2027 Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants for Speech Pathology Students

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Recently Published Articles