Best institutions to study Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist
A program that prepares individuals to evaluate the speaking, language interpretation, and related physiological and cognitive capabilities of children and/or adults and develop treatment and rehabilitative solutions in consultation with clinicians and educators.
189 U.S. institutions graduated 7,257 Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.0203, a specialization of Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (CIP 51.02), and leads most directly to the Speech-Language Pathologists occupation (BLS SOC 29-1127).
About Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist programs
A program that prepares individuals to evaluate the speaking, language interpretation, and related physiological and cognitive capabilities of children and/or adults and develop treatment and rehabilitative solutions in consultation with clinicians and educators. Includes instruction in the anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, biomechanics of swallowing and vocal articulation, communications disorders, psychology of auditory function and cognitive communication, language assessment and diagnostic techniques, and rehabilitative and management therapies.
See also: 51.0816 - Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist program, part of Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, prepares individuals to evaluate and treat speech, language, and related cognitive disorders in both children and adults. This program is ideal for those interested in helping individuals improve their communication abilities and overall quality of life through targeted therapies and interventions.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in areas such as the anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, communication disorders, and language assessment techniques. Core skills developed include critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication, all essential for successful practice in the field.
Credentials awarded
What Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree5,584 graduates / yr · 160 institutions77%
- Bachelor's degree1,272 graduates / yr · 50 institutions18%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year118 graduates / yr · 3 institutions1.6%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship118 graduates / yr · 11 institutions1.6%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate80 graduates / yr · 8 institutions1.1%
- Post-master's certificate44 graduates / yr · 4 institutions0.6%
- Associate's degree24 graduates / yr · 7 institutions0.3%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice15 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.2%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
Graduates over time
Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 3,785 |
| 2013 | 4,153 |
| 2014 | 4,640 |
| 2015 | 4,840 |
| 2016 | 4,931 |
| 2017 | 5,369 |
| 2018 | 5,742 |
| 2019 | 5,746 |
| 2020 | 5,870 |
| 2021 | 5,906 |
| 2022 | 6,573 |
| 2023 | 6,774 |
| 2024 | 7,213 |
| 2025 | 7,257 |
Top 50 institutions for Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emerson College Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 326 | 77% | $40,982 | — |
| 2 | University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences San Marcos, CAPrivate for-profitMaster's | 204 | — | — | — |
| 3 | Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 155 | 63% | $31,672 | — |
| 4 | San Diego State University San Diego, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 144 | 76% | — | $22,378 |
| 5 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZPublicMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 136 | 61% | — | $31,339 |
| 6 | Albizu University - San Juan San Juan, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 122 | 67% | $15,077 | — |
| 7 | Northwestern University Evanston, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 110 | 95% | $14,799 | — |
| 8 | California State University - San Marcos San Marcos, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 108 | 55% | — | $22,567 |
| 9 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicMaster's | 105 | 75% | — | $23,758 |
| 10 | Sacred Heart University Fairfield, CTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 102 | 73% | $42,705 | — |
| 11 | Yeshiva University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 102 | 83% | $39,696 | — |
| 12 | Oklahoma State University - Main Campus Stillwater, OKPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 95 | 68% | — | $26,921 |
| 13 | Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions Provo, UTPrivate for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 94 | — | — | — |
| 14 | California State University - Long Beach Long Beach, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 93 | 69% | — | $29,270 |
| 15 | Teachers College at Columbia University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 86 | — | — | — |
| 16 | Valdosta State University Valdosta, GAPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral | 85 | 42% | — | — |
| 17 | Marquette University Milwaukee, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 84 | 83% | $25,376 | — |
| 18 | Abilene Christian University - Undergraduate Online Addison, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 80 | — | $14,012 | — |
| 19 | University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SCPublicMaster's | 72 | 79% | — | — |
| 20 | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio San Antonio, TXPublicMaster'sMaster's | 72 | — | — | — |
| 21 | University of Toledo Toledo, OHPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 71 | 57% | — | — |
| 22 | Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 68 | 66% | $24,921 | — |
| 23 | Calvin University Grand Rapids, MIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 67 | 74% | $22,391 | — |
| 24 | Pennsylvania Western University California, PAPublicMaster's | 66 | 52% | — | $25,662 |
| 25 | University of West Georgia Carrollton, GAPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 62 | 43% | — | $28,612 |
| 26 | Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 61 | 86% | $25,823 | — |
| 27 | Jacksonville University Jacksonville, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 56 | 51% | $25,813 | — |
| 28 | Kean University Union, NJPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 56 | 47% | — | — |
| 29 | Abilene Christian University Abilene, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 56 | 59% | $26,342 | — |
| 30 | DePaul University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 54 | 68% | $28,141 | — |
| 31 | University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OKPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 54 | 37% | — | — |
| 32 | Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 54 | 77% | $32,060 | — |
| 33 | Saint Xavier University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 53 | 57% | $12,935 | — |
| 34 | University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IAPublicMaster's | 53 | 68% | — | $10,746 |
| 35 | Fort Hays State University Hays, KSPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 53 | 48% | — | — |
| 36 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WAPublicMaster's | 52 | 85% | — | $25,791 |
| 37 | Rockhurst University Kansas City, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 51 | 75% | $21,890 | — |
| 38 | Texas Woman's University Denton, TXPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 50 | 49% | — | $21,555 |
| 39 | Nevada State University Henderson, NVPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 50 | 34% | — | $47,833 |
| 40 | William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, NJPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 48 | 44% | — | $24,702 |
| 41 | New York Medical College Valhalla, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 48 | — | — | — |
| 42 | Towson University Towson, MDPublicMaster's | 47 | 69% | — | $23,463 |
| 43 | Misericordia University Dallas, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 47 | 72% | $22,477 | — |
| 44 | Midwestern University - Glendale Glendale, AZPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 47 | — | — | — |
| 45 | Monmouth University West Long Branch, NJPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 46 | 72% | $28,514 | — |
| 46 | The University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, TNPublicMaster's | 46 | — | — | $19,480 |
| 47 | California State University - Northridge Northridge, CAPublicMaster's | 45 | 57% | — | $22,310 |
| 48 | San Jose State University San Jose, CAPublicMaster's | 44 | 69% | — | — |
| 49 | University of Nebraska - Lincoln Lincoln, NEPublicBachelor's | 44 | 67% | — | — |
| 50 | Mercy University Dobbs Ferry, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 44 | 46% | $17,604 | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Communication Disorders Sciences and Services field (CIP 51.02) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 44 states & territories
Where Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist graduates come from. Each state links to all Communication Disorders Sciences and Services programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-1127, Speech-Language Pathologists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Speech-Language Pathology program primarily work as Speech-Language Pathologists, with an outlook for this career showing a growth rate of 15% and approximately 13,300 annual job openings. The median wage for this profession is $95,410, and a Master's degree is typically required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.0203
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Speech-Language Pathologistsprimary SOC 29-1127 | $97,870 | +15.0% Much faster than average | ~13,300 | Master's degree |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1071 | $107,310 | +17.3% Much faster than average | ~27,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
- Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
- Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
- Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
- Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
- Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
Tools and technology used
Other Communication Disorders Sciences and Services specializations
The 4 other 6-digit CIP codes under Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (CIP 51.02).
- Audiology/CIP 51.0204
Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/ Pathologist 7,257 graduates / yr144 institutions - Communication Sciences and DisordersCIP 51.02017,036 graduates / yr160 institutions
- Audiology/CIP 51.0202
Audiologist 1,023 graduates / yr70 institutions - Communication Disorders Sciences and ServicesCIP 51.0299287 graduates / yr19 institutions
See all Communication Disorders Sciences and Services programs →
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Master's degree, Bachelor's degree, or an award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, reading comprehension, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for Speech-Language Pathologists?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 15% and about 13,300 annual openings.
What tasks will I perform as a Speech-Language Pathologist?+
You will evaluate speech and language test results, develop treatment plans, and monitor patient progress.
What is the CIP code for Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist?+
Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist is CIP 51.0203 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (CIP 51.02). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to evaluate the speaking, language interpretation, and related physiological and cognitive capabilities of children and/or adults and develop treatment and rehabilitative solutions in consultation with clinicians and educators. Includes instruction in the anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, biomechanics of swallowing and vocal articulation, communications disorders, psychology of auditory function and cognitive communication, language assessment and diagnostic techniques, and rehabilitative and management therapies.
How many institutions offer Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist programs?+
189 U.S. institutions reported Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 44 states & territories, awarding 7,257 credentials in the year. That is 31.7% of all Communication Disorders Sciences and Services graduates.
How much do Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Speech-Language Pathologists occupation, which Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist most directly leads to, pays a median of $97,870 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Communication Disorders Sciences and Services field report median earnings of $25,662 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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