10 Affordable Online Master's in Speech Pathology Programs 2025

Online speech pathology master's degrees are top choices for students interested in becoming speech-language pathologists (SLPs), speech therapists, and beyond in the healthcare field. In these flexible programs, coursework is delivered in a virtual environment that busy learners can access at their convenience.

If you're interested in earning an online degree at an affordable price, keep reading. Below, we'll highlight some of the nation's best budget-friendly online master's in speech pathology programs.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Speech Pathology?

An online master's degree in speech pathology is a virtual graduate program for learners who prefer distance education over traditional in-person learning. Students in these programs explore the same concepts covered in on-campus programs ?and are often taught by the same faculty members. Most online degrees are accredited and reputable, helping learners qualify for top roles in the SLP field.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree in Speech Pathology Cost?

The cost of a master's in speech pathology online varies by school and program. Factors such as enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time), financial aid (scholarships and grants), and residency (in-state vs. out-of-state) also impact costs.

Students looking to pay less for their degrees can find great options nationwide. Some of the most affordable, such as those at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and James Madison University, cost less than $600 per credit.

Cheapest Online Master's in Speech Pathology Programs

Several schools enable students to earn a speech pathologist master's online. Review the list below to learn where to find low-cost programs.

1. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers a Master of Arts (MA) in speech-language pathology program that offers online coursework and in-person clinical training for students interested in learning to assess, treat, and prevent communication and swallowing disorders. This 66-credit program, accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), can be completed in five semesters full-time.

• Estimated tuition cost: $298.61 per credit hour (in-state); Starting at $597.22 per credit hour (outside of North Carolina)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, graduate assistantships, and other funding can help students reduce costs.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Akron

At the University of Akron, the online MA in speech-language pathology teaches how to prevent, diagnose, and treat speech-language disorders and provides clinical training for hands-on experience. It also has a 100% pass rate on the Praxis national exam.

To gain admission, learners must complete prerequisites, submit three letters of recommendation, and have a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology with a 3.0 GPA. GRE requirements are temporarily waived.

• Estimated tuition cost: $482.75 per credit hour (in-state); $483.75 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Learners can make tuition more affordable with help from scholarships, loans, and assistantships.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Pennsylvania Western University

Students interested in pursuing a speech pathology master's degree remotely can find a 60-credit 100% online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSSLP) program at Pennsylvania Western University. Coursework explores speech sound disorders, fluency disorders, and audiology. The program, which can be completed in 20 to 29 months, also includes clinical placements and a one-week on-campus intensive.

• Estimated tuition cost: $534 per credit hour (in-state); $545 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Students can reduce costs with scholarships, federal aid, and military benefits.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

4. James Madison University

James Madison University's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers an online speech-language pathology Master of Science (MS) program that prepares students for certification in speech-language pathology by the Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) of the ASHA. In addition to coursework examining autism, neuromotor speech disorders, and voice disorders, CSD students participate in clinical experiences for real-world training.

• Estimated tuition cost: $573 per credit hour (in-state); $1,314 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Learners can reduce the cost of tuition and fees with scholarships and federal student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Cincinnati

The online MA in speech-language pathology at the University of Cincinnati teaches motor speech, phonology, augmentative and alternative communication, and more, and prepares students for real-world experiences with an in-person clinical practicum. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree and a 3.0 overall GPA. Students enrolling in this CAA-accredited program must live within a four-hour driving distance of the university.

• Estimated tuition cost: $662 per credit hour (out-of-state students pay additional surcharges)
• Financial aid: The university offers over half a dozen scholarships for students in the SLP program.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. University of Northern Colorado

In the University of Northern Colorado's three-year MA in speech-language pathology program, learners complete online coursework and one two-week summer visit to the Greeley campus. Common courses include speech and hearing science, disorders of language and literacy, and assistive technology for communication disorders.

Enrollees who complete the program and clinical fellowship and pass the Praxis exam can apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the ASHA.

• Estimated tuition cost: $722 per credit
• Financial aid: Enrollees are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid to reduce the cost of this program.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. University of Nebraska Kearney

The speech-language pathology Master of Science in Education program at the University of Nebraska Kearney is a 56-credit online degree that prepares students for private practice and roles as school-based clinicians, researchers, clinic supervisors, and lecturers. Accredited by the CAA, this program examines augmentative alternative communication, motor speech, and aphasia rehabilitation and includes practicum training and clinical and school internships.

• Estimated tuition cost: $842 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, work-study jobs, and loans are available to make learning more affordable.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Maryville University

At Maryville University, students seeking careers in speech-language pathology can find a 100% online SLP program rooted in standards set by the ASHA and the CAA. The MS in speech-language pathology is a licensure-based degree exploring augmentative and alternative communication, language disorders in children, evidence-based practice, and dysphagia. Campus visits aren't required; however, enrollees must participate in a clinical practicum.

• Estimated tuition cost: $900 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal student aid, student employment, and employer assistance programs make learning at Maryville more affordable.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Misericordia University

Misericordia University is home to an online SLP master's program with primarily synchronous courses that cover phonetics, audiology, motor speech disorders, and beyond. Clinical experiences are made available through an on-campus summer clinical residency, or learners can meet clinical practicum requirements in their local area.

In addition to completing prerequisite courses, applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA to enroll.

• Estimated tuition cost: $925 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Graduate students enrolled at Misericordia University can lower costs with help from student loans.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. West Coast University

West Coast University offers a 56-credit Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) program that students can complete in 20 months, or five trimesters. In this program, students learn about language disorders in people across the lifespan, dysphagia, voice disorders, and more. Learners also participate in two on-site immersion experiences and complete 400 clinical hours with an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1000 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans are available to help students reduce costs.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

How We Rank Schools

Our team rigorously vetted the colleges and universities in this ranking list to verify that they meet the following criteria for delivering a quality learning experience:

• Accreditation: These schools are accredited by nationally recognized organizations, such as the HLC or the SACSCOC.
• Affordability: All institutions in this list offer low tuition rates and financial assistance (e.g., scholarships, federal student aid, etc.) to make learning more affordable.
• Program reputation: Each school has a reputation for providing quality on-campus and online graduate programs.

What To Expect From an Online Master's in Speech Pathology Degree

In most online master's in speech language pathology programs, students learn how to assess and treat people with communication and swallowing disorders. Coursework explores language development, audiology, speech disorders, and research methods, and a clinical practicum is usually included.

The programs, which are often accredited by the CAA, require completion of about 56 to 66 credits and take three or fewer years to complete. Concentrations and specializations are not common for this degree.

FAQs About Low-Cost Speech Pathology Master's Programs Online

Are you ready to pursue a speech pathology master's online? Explore the FAQs below for more details about these programs.

Can You Do a Master's in Speech Pathology Online?

Yes, it's possible to find master's degree programs in speech-language pathology that offer coursework online. However, most programs require students to complete clinical experiences for real-world training, which means commuting to an approved practical setting.

Is an Online Master's in Speech Pathology Worth It?

Yes, an online master's in speech pathology can be worth your time and effort. These programs provide the same quality academic experiences as on-campus programs while enabling students to enjoy flexible scheduling and the ability to access coursework from any location with an internet connection.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Speech Pathology Degree?

After graduating from a speech language pathology master's program and securing state licensure, you can start a private practice or search for career opportunities in the field. Common job titles include the following:

• speech-language pathologist
• auditory rehabilitationist
• school-based clinician
• pediatric speech-language pathologist
• speech therapist

How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's in Speech Pathology Online?

While the time students need to complete a master's program in speech pathology depends on the school and other factors, such as enrollment status, many learners earn their degree in two to three years. If you want to expedite degree completion, consider online programs offering accelerated courses (e.g., five- to eight-week terms), multiple start dates, and generous transfer policies.

Discover Online Speech Pathology Degrees

Begin an exciting journey toward a speech pathology career by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools directly to discover ways they can help you achieve your goals.