Choosing an affordable speech pathology program in the South means balancing tuition, clinical training, accreditation, and the state where you hope to become licensed. This guide is for aspiring speech-language pathologists and career changers comparing undergraduate preparation and graduate SLP options. It will feature a 2027 Most Affordable Speech Pathology Degree Programs Ranking in the South created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about programs worth considering. Use it to compare cost, format, career fit, and next steps before applying.
Key findings about speech pathology degrees in the South
Entry into independent SLP practice typically requires a master's degree from a program accredited by ASHA's Council on Academic Accreditation, supervised clinical experience, a national examination, and the license required by the state where you work.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a $97,870 median annual wage for speech-language pathologists in May 2025 and projects 17% employment growth from 2025 to 2035; affordability matters because graduate study is usually the required professional step.
Southern applicants should compare resident tuition, required on-campus clinical experiences, and destination-state rules rather than assuming one regional program creates automatic licensure eligibility everywhere.
What can I expect from a speech pathology degree in the South?
"Speech pathology degree" can describe two very different education stages. A bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders (CSD), speech-language-hearing sciences, or a related major builds prerequisites for graduate study. A master's degree in speech-language pathology is the usual professional degree for people seeking to practice as speech-language pathologists.
At the graduate level, expect intensive coursework in communication disorders and clinical methods, plus supervised practicum with children and adults. Students commonly rotate through university clinics, schools, hospitals, rehabilitation settings, and community sites. Because client contact is central to preparation, even programs with online academic coursework generally require in-person clinical experiences.
The South offers a mix of public universities with resident tuition advantages, private nonprofit institutions, medical-campus programs, and rural-serving campuses. This matters because a lower published tuition rate may not remain lower after nonresident pricing, relocation, travel to placements, health insurance, clinical fees, and lost work hours are considered.
This path fits students who want a regulated clinical career centered on assessment, counseling, treatment planning, and communication access. It may not fit applicants looking for a quick, fully remote credential or those unwilling to complete graduate-level clinical training. Speech-language pathology assistants, special education, linguistics, health education, or hearing-science roles can be alternatives depending on the desired scope of practice and state rules.
Where can I work with a speech pathology degree in the South?
Speech-language pathologists work wherever communication, swallowing, cognition, voice, or language needs are evaluated and treated. The setting affects schedules, caseloads, documentation demands, travel, and often the compensation structure.
The following comparison shows how common work settings differ. It is useful when evaluating whether a program's clinical placements match the population and work environment you want after graduation.
Work setting
Typical work focus
Why it matters in the South
Public schools
Language, speech sound disorders, literacy-related communication, and special education collaboration
District needs can be especially pronounced in rural areas, but state educator-credential and school-employment rules may differ.
Hospitals and rehabilitation facilities
Stroke, brain injury, swallowing, voice, and medically complex care
Large metropolitan medical centers may offer more acute-care and specialty placements than smaller communities.
Outpatient clinics and private practice
Pediatric therapy, fluency, voice, feeding, and family coaching
Demand varies by local referral networks, insurance participation, and the availability of pediatric providers.
Skilled nursing and home health
Adult neurogenic communication and dysphagia services
Older populations and geographic access needs can create opportunities, though travel expectations may be substantial.
Universities and research centers
Teaching, research, clinics, and specialized assessment
These roles usually require additional graduate preparation and are concentrated near research universities and academic medical centers.
Students who expect to remain in a particular state should ask whether the program has established placement relationships there. A school's campus state is not necessarily the state where every student can complete practicum, particularly in distance-supported programs.
The national median annual wage for speech-language pathologists was $97,870, or $47.05 per hour, in May 2025 occupational wage data, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is a national median, not a starting-salary promise; pay differs by state, employer type, experience, productivity expectations, and whether a role is school-calendar or year-round.
For a realistic return-on-investment estimate, compare offers and local wage information instead of relying on national figures alone. Higher-paying medical settings may require specific clinical experience, while school-based roles can offer different benefits, schedules, and loan-forgiveness eligibility.
These career factors often affect earnings more than the degree title itself:
Clinical setting and patient population, including pediatric, acute-care, rehabilitation, and skilled-nursing work.
State and metropolitan labor market, because Southern wages and living costs vary materially across states and cities.
Experience, specialty competencies, productivity model, and whether the employer pays for continuing education or certification support.
Employment structure, such as direct employment, contract work, travel assignments, or private-practice ownership.
Explore role and setting differences through this guide to highest paying SLP jobs. Use salary information as one input in an ROI calculation that also includes debt, completion likelihood, time out of the workforce, aid, baseline earnings, and the time value of money.
The institutions below represent different pathways within the provided program set: some emphasize professional graduate preparation, while others are especially relevant for undergraduate CSD preparation. Applicants should confirm the exact degree level, current accreditation status, admission cycle, and clinical requirements for the program they intend to enter.
The University of Texas at El Paso
UTEP's speech-language pathology offering is situated within the College of Health Sciences, connecting communication-disorders education to a health-professions environment. Its border-region location can be particularly relevant for students interested in bilingual and multicultural service delivery, although applicants should verify the current degree pathway and clinical-placement requirements directly with the department.
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University's communication sciences and disorders program is positioned to serve Western North Carolina and surrounding communities, a meaningful distinction for students seeking experience in mountain or rural-access contexts. Prospective students should ask how required clinical rotations are assigned and whether placements align with their preferred school, medical, or outpatient setting.
University of Florida
The University of Florida houses speech, language, and hearing sciences within a health-professions academic structure, which can appeal to students interested in medically connected communication-disorders training. Its research-oriented departmental setting is a practical differentiator for applicants who may want exposure to faculty research alongside clinical preparation.
University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas offers communication sciences and disorders education in a public-university setting, making resident tuition and Arkansas licensure alignment important comparison points. It may be a strong fit for applicants who plan to build professional connections in Arkansas and want to evaluate a program's local clinical network rather than relocate after graduation.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
UNC Greensboro's communication sciences and disorders program provides an option in the Piedmont Triad, an area with access to schools, health systems, and community providers. That location can matter for students who want varied placement possibilities without assuming that all placements or specialty experiences are available to every cohort.
Marshall University
Marshall University's communication disorders program provides a West Virginia-based route for students considering Appalachian and neighboring regional practice. Its regional relevance is particularly useful for applicants who want to ask focused questions about rural clinical access, travel expectations, and placement support in smaller communities.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences stands out in this group through its academic-medical-center setting. Students who are especially interested in adult rehabilitation, swallowing, neurological conditions, or interprofessional health care should investigate the program's current clinical rotations and the availability of medically focused experiences.
Xavier University of Louisiana
Xavier University of Louisiana's speech pathology department offers an undergraduate-oriented foundation for students preparing for graduate professional study. This route is most useful for applicants who need prerequisite science and communication-disorders coursework before applying to a CAA-accredited master's program rather than expecting bachelor's completion alone to qualify them for SLP licensure.
West Liberty University
West Liberty University's communication sciences and disorders program offers an undergraduate preparation route in northern West Virginia. It is a practical option for students who want to complete prerequisite coursework close to home, but they should plan early for the competitive graduate admissions step that follows a bachelor's degree.
Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University offers students a Nashville-based institutional context that can be valuable when comparing access to urban schools, clinics, and health systems. Applicants should confirm the current speech pathology degree option, delivery format, and clinical-placement process rather than relying on institution-wide information alone.
Do not treat these distinctions as a substitute for direct program verification. The most useful comparison questions are whether the degree is CAA-accredited where required, how clinical assignments are secured, what additional costs are mandatory, and whether the curriculum supports the license you seek.
A bachelor's degree in CSD or a related field typically takes about four years of full-time study. A professional master's degree in speech-language pathology commonly takes about two academic years of full-time enrollment, although sequencing, prerequisite gaps, part-time enrollment, and clinical availability can extend the timeline.
The timeline is longer for career changers who need foundational coursework in areas such as phonetics, language development, anatomy, statistics, biology, or physics before graduate admission. Some schools offer post-baccalaureate leveling options; others expect applicants to complete missing prerequisites before applying.
Accelerated options can reduce calendar time only when they preserve required academic and clinical preparation. Students considering speed should compare cohort schedules, course loads, on-campus attendance, clinical placement timing, and whether working while enrolled is realistic. For format-specific options, review best accelerated online speech pathology degree programs before assuming an accelerated pathway is lower cost or licensure-ready.
Online and campus-based programs can both require rigorous graduate-level preparation, but the delivery of academic content is only one part of SLP education. Clinical skills must be assessed through supervised experiences, so "online" rarely means that every requirement can be completed from home.
This comparison identifies the issues that most often affect licensure planning and total cost.
Factor
Online or hybrid format
On-campus format
Course access
May reduce relocation needs and offer scheduled remote instruction.
Usually provides in-person classes, campus clinic access, and local cohort interaction.
Clinical education
May require approved local placements, travel, intensives, or campus visits.
Often coordinated through the school's regional clinical network, though travel can still be required.
Licensure planning
Requires careful confirmation that the institution can enroll and place students in your state.
May be simpler for students planning to license in the campus state, but portability still must be checked.
Cost pattern
Can reduce moving costs but may add travel, technology, and local-placement expenses.
Can create housing and relocation costs but may offer stronger access to campus facilities and local placements.
Best fit
Working adults with strong self-management and a confirmed clinical-placement plan.
Students who value structured in-person training and can relocate or commute consistently.
Before choosing a distance format, obtain written answers about state authorization, residency or campus-visit requirements, clinical placement responsibility, and eligibility for licensure in your destination state. Compare these details with available online slp programs, not just tuition advertisements.
A single reliable regional "average cost" is not published for all speech pathology degrees in the South, and using one would hide the differences that matter most: undergraduate versus graduate level, public versus private nonprofit pricing, resident versus nonresident tuition, clinical fees, and living expenses. The ranking is best used as a starting point for school-by-school comparison, not as a promise of your net price.
For graduate SLP study, compare the full program cost rather than one semester's tuition. A public university can be less expensive for an in-state student but cost substantially more for a nonresident; a private nonprofit program may have a higher sticker price but provide institutional grants. Neither institutional category determines value on its own.
The cost categories below should appear in every comparison worksheet because they can materially change borrowing needs.
Cost category
What to verify
Decision implication
Tuition and mandatory fees
Total required credits, resident classification, and annual increases
Compare the complete curriculum, not a per-credit figure without the required credit count.
Clinical education costs
Background checks, immunizations, testing, travel, attire, materials, and placement fees
These expenses can be significant because clinical requirements cannot usually be skipped.
Housing and transportation
Relocation, commuting, parking, and travel to off-campus sites
Lower tuition may be offset by a high-cost location or distant placements.
Opportunity cost
Reduced work hours and delayed earnings while enrolled
Part-time study may lower annual borrowing but lengthen the period before professional earnings begin.
Net price
Scholarships, assistantships, employer aid, and federal eligibility
Use aid offers to compare what you would actually finance, not only published charges.
Ask each program for a written estimate covering all required terms and clinical expenses. Applicants comparing regions can also use affordable slp programs in california as a separate reference point, while remembering that California tuition, living costs, and licensure planning are not interchangeable with Southern-state conditions.
Financial aid for speech pathology students can include federal aid, institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, state programs, employer benefits, and service-linked opportunities. Availability is highly school- and state-specific, so the best time to ask is before accepting admission, when you can compare offers and program costs.
Graduate students who meet federal eligibility requirements may apply for Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Eligible graduate and professional students may also apply for a Direct PLUS Loan for Graduate or Professional Students, commonly called Grad PLUS; eligibility includes meeting general federal student-aid requirements, being enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program, and not having an adverse credit history or obtaining an endorser or documented extenuating circumstances, according to Federal Student Aid.
Use this sequence to reduce avoidable debt:
Submit the FAFSA early and review state, institutional, and department-level deadlines separately.
Ask the department whether assistantships are available to SLP students and whether clinical schedules realistically permit the required work hours.
Compare scholarships and grants against total program cost, not against tuition alone.
Review repayment terms before accepting federal or private loans, and avoid treating future salary as guaranteed repayment capacity.
State-funded aid programs differ across Southern states, including residency standards and eligible-institution rules. Students planning to work in shortage areas should also ask employers and state agencies whether any service commitments, tuition support, or loan-repayment opportunities apply to SLP roles.
View the chart data as a table
Annual wage by percentile for Speech-Language Pathologists (national) (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025))
Category
Value
10th
62,900
25th
77,730
50th (median)
97,870
75th
114,570
90th
134,160
Graduate SLP programs generally require a bachelor's degree, but the major may be CSD, speech and hearing sciences, linguistics, psychology, education, or another field. Applicants without a CSD background often need prerequisite or leveling coursework before or during admission, and requirements vary considerably by institution.
Common admissions components include transcripts, prerequisite coursework, a minimum GPA standard, recommendations, a personal statement, and evidence of readiness for clinical graduate study. Some programs may request observation experience, interviews, or additional documentation. Graduate Record Examination policies vary, so applicants should check each program's current policy rather than assuming it is required or waived.
For eventual clinical practice, the most important prerequisite is choosing a master's program whose accreditation and curriculum support your licensure goal. ASHA certification standards, state licensing boards, and school-employment rules are related but not identical. A program can prepare students for certification requirements without eliminating the need to meet the laws and application procedures of the state where they will practice.
A frequent mistake is applying only to programs labeled "speech pathology" without auditing prerequisite gaps. Build a course-by-course checklist before application season, especially if transferring credits or changing careers.
Undergraduate programs focus on the scientific and developmental foundation needed for graduate admission. Master's programs move into diagnosis, intervention, professional practice, and supervised clinical application. Course names vary, but the content must prepare students to work across ages and communication needs.
The following subjects help applicants distinguish an introductory CSD curriculum from a professional graduate SLP curriculum.
Course area
Typical focus
Why it matters
Anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience
Speech, hearing, swallowing, and nervous-system foundations
Supports clinical reasoning for voice, motor speech, and swallowing disorders.
Phonetics and speech science
Speech production, acoustic principles, and transcription
Builds the analysis skills used in speech-sound assessment and treatment.
Language development and disorders
Typical and atypical language across childhood and adulthood
Essential for work in schools, early intervention, and neurogenic disorders.
Audiology and aural rehabilitation
Hearing screening, hearing differences, and communication impact
Helps SLPs collaborate appropriately with audiologists and other providers.
Fluency, voice, motor speech, and dysphagia
Specialized communication and swallowing conditions
Introduces the breadth of clinical populations encountered in medical and outpatient settings.
Clinical practicum
Supervised assessment, documentation, counseling, and intervention
Turns academic knowledge into observed professional competencies.
Students interested in bilingual practice should look beyond a single multicultural course. Ask whether the curriculum addresses culturally responsive assessment, interpreter collaboration, dialect difference, and clinical experiences with the populations they expect to serve.
Most entry-to-practice master's programs prepare generalist SLPs rather than awarding narrow professional specializations. However, electives, faculty expertise, research labs, and clinical placements can create meaningful emphasis areas. These experiences may influence your first job and mentorship opportunities, even though state licensure is generally based on meeting broad professional requirements.
Applicants can compare programs by identifying whether their available coursework and placements support one or more of these interests:
Pediatric speech and language disorders, including early intervention, autism-related communication needs, and school-based practice.
Medical speech-language pathology, including dysphagia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, voice, and intensive rehabilitation.
Bilingual and multicultural service delivery, particularly relevant in communities with substantial multilingual populations.
Fluency disorders, voice, resonance, and motor speech disorders.
Augmentative and alternative communication, assistive technology, and complex communication needs.
Research, doctoral preparation, and evidence-based clinical scholarship.
Choose an emphasis only after confirming that the program still provides broad clinical preparation. A common mistake is selecting a school for one appealing specialty clinic while overlooking whether its required placements, supervision model, and accreditation status fit the full pathway to practice.
The best choice is not always the program with the lowest tuition or the highest visibility. It is the program that creates a credible route to your intended license and employment setting at a manageable total cost and completion risk.
Use the following application-review process to compare finalists consistently:
Confirm whether you need a bachelor's, leveling coursework, or a CAA-accredited master's degree for your immediate goal.
Check the current accreditation status and ask whether the curriculum is designed to meet requirements in the state where you intend to practice.
Request the complete cost of attendance, including clinical, travel, housing, and technology expenses.
Ask how clinical placements are assigned, who secures them, how far students travel, and what happens if a placement changes.
Compare completion expectations, cohort schedule, faculty advising, and whether you can realistically reduce work hours during intensive clinical terms.
Evaluate aid, assistantships, debt projections, and likely opportunity cost before making a deposit.
Red flags include vague answers about state eligibility, claims that a program is "fully online" without a clinical-placement explanation, tuition quotes that omit fees, and pressure to enroll before receiving financial-aid details. Rankings are useful shortlists, but direct verification is essential because tuition, authorization, and licensure rules can change.
A CSD bachelor's degree and a graduate SLP degree lead to different career options. The bachelor's degree is most often preparation for graduate study; the master's degree, followed by applicable certification and state licensing steps, supports professional SLP roles.
This distinction helps students avoid enrolling in an undergraduate program expecting it to provide the same scope of practice as a clinical graduate degree.
Education stage
Possible direction
Important limitation
Bachelor's in CSD or related field
Graduate-school preparation, support roles, research assistance, health or education administration
It does not ordinarily qualify a graduate to practice independently as a speech-language pathologist.
Master's in SLP plus required credentials
School SLP, medical SLP, rehabilitation clinician, outpatient therapist, early-intervention provider, private-practice clinician
Scope of practice depends on state licensure, employer requirements, and setting-specific rules.
Additional advanced study
University teaching, research, leadership, specialized clinical scholarship, or administration
Roles may require doctoral education, research experience, or additional employer credentials.
For students who enjoy language, health care, and direct service but do not want graduate clinical training, related paths such as audiology support, special education, behavior support, public health, or health communication may be worth investigating. The right option depends on the scope of practice and patient contact you want.
View the chart data as a table
Total tuition + mandatory fees (resident, this ranking) (Source: Research.com SLP dataset)
Category
Value
20,000-40,000 USD
49
40,000-60,000 USD
17
60,000-80,000 USD
7
80,000-100,000 USD
3
100,000-120,000 USD
1
The national outlook for speech-language pathologists is favorable: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth of 17% from 2025 to 2035 and about 12,500 openings annually on average over the decade. BLS attributes demand in part to an aging population and the need for services for people with speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
For Southern students, national growth should be treated as context rather than a local job guarantee. Large states and metropolitan areas can offer more employers and specialty settings, while rural communities may have unmet service needs but fewer nearby supervisors, longer travel routes, and different compensation structures. Students should compare the labor market in the state where they intend to live, not just where they attend school.
Current practice also increasingly requires comfort with telepractice, electronic documentation, interdisciplinary care, and evidence-based decision-making. Technology can expand access for rural clients, but it does not replace licensure, privacy compliance, clinical judgment, or employer-specific training requirements.
A practical job-market check is to review current postings in two or three target areas before enrolling. Note required setting experience, license status, bilingual preferences, supervision availability for clinical fellows, and whether the jobs are direct-hire or contract roles. This gives more decision value than relying on a national projection alone.
2027 Most Affordable Speech Pathology Degree Programs Ranking in the South
Investing in professional education is a consequential financial and career decision. Research.com's data science team designed this ranking to help prospective students identify speech pathology programs with strong value signals while recognizing that affordability should be evaluated alongside completion, academic quality, student support, and career preparation.
Research.com rankings score programs using academic and research strength, cost, graduate outcomes, student profile, and institutional quality, then rank institutions by the dimension identified in the ranking title. On-campus rankings use data-driven, entropy-based weights tailored to the available indicators. Online-program rankings use a distance-learning methodology that excludes campus-dependent indicators and emphasizes program structure and student support, with fixed weights for graduation rate (30%), research (25%), institutional profile (15%), and students, cost, and course factors (10% each).
The ranking draws on the following established education datasets and reference sources:
Readers can use the ranking as a focused shortlist, then verify current tuition, CAA accreditation status, clinical-placement arrangements, and state licensure eligibility directly with each school. For a fuller explanation of the scoring approach, visit Research.com's methodology page.
Speech-Language Pathology, M.S. (Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology)
99.74
/ 100
Final score
Program length
5 semesters typical (6 semesters maximum)
Required credits
51 semester hours
Acceptance rate
46% (57 of 123 applications)
GPA range
2.71 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~5% (3 of 57 offers)
Application deadline
Fall admission: February 1
Class size
28
Degrees granted
31
Application process
CSDCAS
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes; prerequisite courses offered; available online
Additional requirements
Comprehensive exam; Capstone
Accreditation
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA
Status AccreditedID a266094f-ced3-468f-8663-6410cbc3c899Valid 2021-2029
Last known review scheduled for February 2028
Verify accreditation
The University of Texas at El Paso earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 99.74/100, supported by $20,600 total tuition + mandatory fees and a typical 5-semester completion pathway. Its Speech-Language Pathology, M.S. (Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology) 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 10/31/2025)
Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (speech-language pathology)
99.51
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Traditional Track: 5 semesters full-time; Leveler Track: 7 semesters full-time. Total 63 semester hours.
Required credits
63
Acceptance rate
80% (98 of 123 applications)
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~71% (70 of 98 offers)
Application deadline
Fall admission: February 1
Class size
30
Degrees granted
33
Application process
University online application
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: No; prerequisite courses offered; available online
Additional requirements
Capstone
Accreditation
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA
Status AccreditedID 2a47127e-cc9c-4070-8354-ba38b038f7e5Valid 2021-2029
Last known review scheduled for August 2028
Verify accreditation
Western Carolina University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 99.51/100, supported by $21,121 total tuition + mandatory fees and 5 semesters for the Traditional Track or 7 semesters for the Leveler Track. Its Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (speech-language pathology) 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 09/11/2025)
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)
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA
Status AccreditedID b118a9d9-0706-4bdd-b64e-96c7fa9940abValid 2022-2030
Last known review scheduled for August 2029
Verify accreditation
University of North Carolina at Greensboro earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 99.08/100, supported by $22,113 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Speech-Language Pathology, M.A. (On-Campus) 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 10/21/2025)
34 graduate credit hours of academic coursework plus clinical practicum
Acceptance rate
86% (54 of 63 applications)
GPA range
3.02 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~37% (20 of 54 offers)
Application deadline
Fall admission: January 15
Class size
24
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 df21945f-95d5-4604-9129-59394190f3e9Valid 2021-2029
Last known review scheduled for February 2029
Verify accreditation
Marshall University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 98.88/100, supported by $22,563 total tuition + mandatory fees and 6-semester full-time residential completion pathway. Its Master of Science in Communication Disorders 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 10/24/2025)
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program
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)
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS, SLP)
98.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
approximately five semesters (typically two years)
Required credits
51
Acceptance rate
87% (13 of 15 applications)
GPA range
2.75 - 3.58
Application deadline
Fall admission: Jan 15th
Class size
8
Degrees granted
7
Application process
University online application
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 d11e9b4a-3b81-4ddd-a525-b944ec2a7bb1Valid 2024-2029
Last known review scheduled for August 2028
Verify accreditation
Xavier University of Louisiana earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 98.4/100, supported by $23,664 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS, SLP) 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 10/14/2024)
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA
Status CandidateID 4c494578-81d8-42fe-b4c1-e841e645a022Valid 2022-2027
Verify accreditation
West Liberty University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 98.3/100, supported by $23,900 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Master of Science education program in Speech-Language Pathology holds CAA candidacy status as of September 2026. Candidacy is a recognized pre-accreditation status but is not the same as full CAA accreditation.
Admissions data from
ASHA EdFind
(updated 09/15/2025)
Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech and Hearing Science, concentration in Speech-Language Pathology
98.08
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Full-time, typically ~2 years (5-6 semesters)
Required credits
53
Acceptance rate
28% (97 of 349 applications)
GPA range
2.52 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~9% (9 of 97 offers)
Application deadline
Fall admission: February 1st Spring admission: June 1st of even years
Class size
44
Degrees granted
36
Application process
CSDCAS University online application
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes; prerequisite courses offered; available online
Additional requirements
Comprehensive exam; Thesis
Accreditation
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA
Status AccreditedID 63c00ee8-b39f-4d28-b4eb-5b9065124ef9Valid 2019-2027
Last known review scheduled for 2026
Verify accreditation
Tennessee State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 98.08/100, supported by $24,408 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech and Hearing Science, concentration in Speech-Language Pathology 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 11/01/2025)
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA
Status Accredited on ProbationID c2072401-23fc-43e6-9371-e61f291f6b2aValid 2021-2029
Last known review scheduled for 2028
Verify accreditation
Texas A&M University-Kingsville earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.98/100, supported by $24,628 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 2029, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2028.
Admissions data from
ASHA EdFind
(updated 10/29/2024)
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA
Status AccreditedID c4462928-2616-4352-a5c5-f46d0c2b007cValid 2024-2032
Last known review scheduled for August 2031
Verify accreditation
University of Central Florida earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.92/100, supported by $24,766 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2032, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2031.
Admissions data from
ASHA EdFind
(updated 10/29/2025)
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)
Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology)
97.51
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years (6 semesters) for students with CSD undergraduate degree or completion of most prerequisites; 3 years (9 semesters) for students without CSD background
Required credits
63 semester hours minimum (or 90 hours for students completing prerequisites as part of the program)
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA
Status AccreditedID f3b7851f-0291-4c0c-bebf-7c682bfde34fValid 2022-2030
Last known review scheduled for February 2030
Verify accreditation
Georgia State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.51/100, supported by $25,704 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology) is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2030, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2030.
Admissions data from
ASHA EdFind
(updated 10/28/2025)
Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
97.51
/ 100
Final score
Program length
5-6 semesters (two years) for students with completed undergraduate CSD coursework; 8-9 semesters without undergraduate CSD major. Year 1: on-campus; Year 2: hybrid format focused on externship.
Required credits
53
Acceptance rate
50% (68 of 136 applications)
GPA range
3.09 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~28% (19 of 68 offers)
Application deadline
Fall admission: February 1
Class size
25
Degrees granted
23
Application process
CSDCAS University online application
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes; prerequisite courses offered; available online
Accreditation
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA
Status AccreditedID 9d493921-fc2c-4d0b-9140-a7835744df99Valid 2023-2031
Last known review scheduled for August 2030
Verify accreditation
Longwood University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.51/100, supported by $25,707 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 08/11/2025)
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA
Status AccreditedID 6b614751-0164-4d66-8b91-2aa489e44e35Valid 2024-2031
Last known review scheduled for 2030
Verify accreditation
University of Southern Mississippi earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.51/100, supported by $25,710 total tuition + mandatory fees and 60 credits. Its Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) 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 09/22/2025)
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA
Status AccreditedID e8b656af-d268-4b62-b6f8-e2a3d9b605b0Valid 2020-2028
Last known review scheduled for August 2027
Verify accreditation
University of Louisiana at Monroe earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.44/100, supported by $25,866 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 2028, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2027.
Admissions data from
ASHA EdFind
(updated 09/02/2026)
Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology (Residential)
97.14
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Two years / 5 semesters
Required credits
45
Acceptance rate
33% (101 of 303 applications)
GPA range
3.27 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~12% (12 of 101 offers)
Application deadline
Fall admission: January 15
Class size
59
Degrees granted
29
Application process
CSDCAS University online application
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisites required: Yes
Additional requirements
Portfolio
Accreditation
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA
Status AccreditedID 0f6dff1e-213f-410f-8b0c-a55e2917e151Valid 2026-2034
Last known review scheduled for August 2033
Verify accreditation
James Madison University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 97.14/100, supported by $26,550 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology (Residential) is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2034, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2033.
Admissions data from
ASHA EdFind
(updated 10/23/2025)
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of ASHA
Status AccreditedID 00466438-6748-454a-9a78-dfbb9b25505bValid 2020-2028
Last known review scheduled for August 2027
Verify accreditation
University of Louisiana at Lafayette earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 96.99/100, supported by $26,885 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Master's in Speech Language Pathology is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2028, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2027.
Admissions data from
ASHA EdFind
(updated 10/13/2025)
Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences (MS-SLP)
96.98
/ 100
Final score
Program length
60-semester-hour program (clinical track), typically 2 years full-time
Acceptance rate
15% (61 of 399 applications)
GPA range
2.95 - 4.00
Offers with funding
~28% (17 of 61 offers)
Class size
24
Degrees granted
37
Application process
CSDCAS University online application
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 be6dcdc7-4f79-4a3f-a5c7-06cfa9171eb3Valid 2025-2032
Last known review scheduled for February 2031
Verify accreditation
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 96.98/100, supported by $26,910 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences (MS-SLP) is listed by ASHA EdFind as CAA-accredited through 2032, with the most recently listed accreditation review scheduled for 2031.
Admissions data from
ASHA EdFind
(updated 10/31/2024)
Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP)
96.97
/ 100
Final score
Program length
5 consecutive semesters (including one summer), completed within 2 years
Required credits
60
Acceptance rate
63% (12 of 19 applications)
GPA range
3.08 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall admission: February 1
Class size
10
Application process
University online application
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 CandidateID 0a3ccc66-f58e-4eda-93c0-14bb8c4cd208Valid 2024-2029
Verify accreditation
The University of Texas at Tyler earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 96.97/100, supported by $26,946 total tuition + mandatory fees and 2-year completion pathway. Its Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) holds CAA candidacy status as of September 2026. Candidacy is a recognized pre-accreditation status but is not the same as full CAA accreditation.
Admissions data from
ASHA EdFind
(updated 08/04/2026)
Frequently asked questions about speech pathology degree in the South
Do I need a master's degree to become a speech-language pathologist?
Usually, yes. Independent SLP practice generally requires a graduate degree in speech-language pathology plus applicable supervised experience, examination, certification, and state licensure requirements. A bachelor's degree is commonly a preparation step.
Should I choose the cheapest SLP program?
Choose the lowest-cost program that also supports your accreditation, clinical-training, licensing, and completion needs. Compare net price, clinical costs, travel, time to completion, and placement support rather than tuition alone.
Can I attend an online SLP program while living in another Southern state?
Possibly, but confirm in writing that the institution is authorized to enroll students in your state and can support clinical placements that meet your destination-state requirements. Online coursework does not eliminate in-person clinical training.
Are speech pathology licenses the same throughout the South?
No. States have separate licensing laws and application processes. Requirements overlap substantially, but applicants should verify the rules of the state where they plan to practice and any separate requirements for school employment.
How competitive is admission to an SLP master's program?
Admission can be competitive because programs must coordinate faculty supervision and clinical education. Strong prerequisite performance, clear understanding of the profession, and carefully matched applications are more useful than applying solely based on perceived ease of admission.
Is speech pathology a good financial investment?
It can be for students who complete the required graduate pathway, manage borrowing, and intend to work in the profession. Assess your likely net cost, opportunity cost, local job market, and the May 2025 national median wage of $97,870 reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics before deciding.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Speech Pathology
ASHA EdFind - Accredited Speech-Language Pathology Programs Used to verify CAA accreditation or candidacy status for graduate SLP programs. https://find.asha.org/ed/
The University of Texas at El Paso - Speech-Language Pathology, M.S. (Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology) Official program page (curriculum, tuition, and admissions). https://www.utep.edu/chs/slp/
University of Central Arkansas - Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology Official program page (curriculum, tuition, and admissions). https://uca.edu/csd/programs-and-degrees/masters/
