Want to build a rewarding career in speech and language pathology programs? The state of Illinois has an amazing selection with 13 institutions offering nearly 20 different SLP programs.

Students looking into speech language pathology graduate schools or speech pathology programs in Illinois will find options of all types. These range from Master of Arts to Sciences degrees and even Doctorate programs in audiology. The University of Illinois system in Champaign leads the pack as the largest educational provider. On top of that, these programs are a great way to get career advancement opportunities in this growing field.

The job market looks incredibly bright. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects an 18% jump in job opportunities from 2023 to 2033, which means about 33,300 new positions. Money-wise, you’ll find competitive salaries – Speech-Language Pathology Assistants make around $43,490 yearly, while licensed Speech Therapists earn an average of $92,800 per year in Illinois.

These programs give you hands-on clinical experience to prepare for certification. Northwestern University stands out with its ASHA-accredited programs. Let’s take a closer look at Illinois’s 15 top-rated speech and language pathology programs for 2025.

Northwestern University – MS in Speech, Language, and Learning

Northwestern University leads the way in speech and language pathology programs with its exceptional Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Learning degree. This prestigious program creates skilled clinicians ready to help the estimated 42 million Americans who have communicative or swallowing disorders.

Program overview

Northwestern’s MS in Speech, Language, and Learning is a detailed seven-quarter residential program in the School of Communication. The program features world-renowned research faculty, extraordinary clinical faculty, and a state-of-the-art clinic. Students benefit from a progressive curriculum that combines academic excellence with hands-on experience. The program’s all-encompassing approach to education enables graduates to deliver evidence-based services nationally and internationally.

Accreditation and reputation

The program has accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association through 2032. Northwestern ranks among the top ten speech language pathology graduate schools nationwide according to US News & World Report.

Tuition and financial aid

Students pay $19,439 per quarter for 3-4 credits during the 2025-2026 academic year. A health services fee of $287 per quarter and books costing about $757 per quarter are additional expenses. Northwestern charges the same tuition to all students, unlike many public institutions. The university offers partial scholarships based on academic performance, financial need, and fund availability. About 66% of students receive some form of financial aid.

Clinical experience

Northwestern’s clinical training gives students exceptional hands-on experience. Students work at the on-campus clinic during their first clinical year and one quarter of their second year. They later complete two full-time externship placements lasting 11 weeks each – one in a school setting and another usually in a medical facility or private practice. Students work in clinical teams with first and second-year members under supervisor guidance, meeting weekly to learn together.

Admission requirements

Applications close on January 15, and students receive notifications by mid-March. The program uses CSDCAS for applications and doesn’t require GRE scores. Students need to submit three recommendation letters, personal essay responses, and transcripts from previous institutions. The program accepts about 20-30% of applicants.

Career outcomes

Northwestern’s graduates achieve remarkable success with a 100% PRAXIS pass rate and 100% employment rate within their first year after graduation over the last five years (2019-2024). New graduates typically earn around $70,000 yearly and find jobs in hospitals, clinics, universities, school districts, and nonprofits across the country.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – MS in Speech & Hearing Science

UIUC’s Master’s program in Speech & Hearing Science prepares students for successful careers in speech-language pathology. Students get complete theoretical and practical training that sets them up for success.

Program overview

The MS in Speech & Hearing Science at UIUC gives students core knowledge about human speech, language, swallowing, hearing, and balance processes. Students learn about communication system disorders and their impact. The program has a solid foundation in biological, behavioral, linguistic, and social aspects of human communication. Students can choose from four concentrations: Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, Cultural-Linguistic Diversity, and Neuroscience of Communication.

Accreditation and recognition

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has accredited this program. This recognition will give students the educational requirements they need for Illinois licensure and professional practice standards. The program’s accreditation runs through February 2027.

Tuition and financial aid options

Illinois residents pay $36,930 yearly, which breaks down to $12,992 in tuition, $5,054 in fees, and $18,884 in expenses. Non-resident costs reach $57,622 per year. Last year, the university gave out over $1 billion in financial aid, and 67% of students got some form of assistance. Students should submit their FAFSA by March 15 to meet the preferential filing deadline.

Clinical training

The University of Illinois Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Clinic serves as a training ground for students in Champaign-Urbana and nearby areas. Licensed professionals supervise graduate students who provide services to people of all ages, both in-person and through telehealth. Students put their classroom learning into practice through these hands-on experiences. Most graduate programs need 25 clinical observation hours before starting, and students can complete some of these hours in SHS 475.

Admission requirements

Students with under 45 transferable credit hours need a 3.0 GPA minimum. Those with more than 45 hours can get by with a 2.8 GPA. The program suggests taking courses like CHEM 101 or similar options, RHET 105, and STAT 100. Strong science grades are crucial for getting accepted. Students should also work on completing their non-primary language requirement.

Career prospects

The program boasts impressive outcomes with 90% of graduates either working or continuing their education. About 18% start working right away, while 72% pursue additional graduate studies. New graduates earn around $29,304 annually. Alumni work in various settings like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, medical clinics, private practice, health departments, community centers, and research labs.

Illinois State University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Illinois State University offers a well-laid-out MS in Speech-Language Pathology program. The program combines complete classroom learning with hands-on clinical experiences to prepare future speech-language pathologists.

Program overview

The MS in Speech-Language Pathology at Illinois State takes two years to complete over five semesters starting in fall. Students need about 40 academic credit hours and 18 clinical credit hours. The program gives students three options: complete exams, an independent study, or a master’s thesis. Students spend their first year taking three semesters of on-campus clinical courses before moving to external placements.

Accreditation

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) has fully accredited the program through September 2029. This recognition confirms the program meets professional standards and will give graduates the qualifications they need for clinical certification.

Tuition and aid

The total program costs for 2025 range from $35,330 to $36,135. A remarkable 95% of students get some form of financial aid. Graduate assistantships offer monthly wages and 100% tuition waivers during appointment semesters. Students also get up to 12 credit hours of summer tuition coverage after fall or spring appointments.

Clinical practicum

Students must complete 18 clinical credit hours in settings of all types. The program sequence has Basic Speech Pathology Clinic (1 hour), Intermediate Speech Pathology Clinic (4 hours), and Advanced Speech Pathology Clinic (3 hours). Students also complete two 10-week external placements—one educational and one medical (5 hours each). The program partners with many placement sites including:

Carle BroMenn Medical Center
OSF St. Joseph Medical Center
McLean County Unit District #5
Easterseals Central Illinois

Admission criteria

Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA on their last 60 hours of coursework. Applications are due January 15 for fall admission and September 15 for spring admission. Applicants must submit three professional recommendation letters, an essay, and a video clip through CSDCAS.

Career readiness

The program’s students have achieved a 100% pass rate on the PRAXIS exam. Graduates work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and private practices. The program’s complete preparation helps graduates provide prevention, evaluation, and treatment services for people with communication disorders.

Rush University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Rush University’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program blends outstanding medical expertise with detailed clinical training at one of Chicago’s leading healthcare institutions.

Program overview

Students need 67 credit hours to complete the MS in Speech-Language Pathology at Rush. The program takes about two years. Students can choose to write a thesis instead of taking comprehensive examinations. The science-based curriculum teaches graduates to prevent, review, diagnose, and manage communication disorders related to speech, voice, language, cognitive, and swallowing impairments.

Accreditation and rankings

The Council on Academic Accreditation accredits the program in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology through February 2029. U.S. News & World Report ranks Rush #28 among speech-language pathology programs nationwide. This accreditation lets graduates meet licensure requirements in all states except Puerto Rico.

Tuition and scholarships

The 2025 tuition rate stands at $1,239 per credit hour. Students can access several financial aid options:

College of Health Sciences Endowment
Ellis-Jones Scholarship
Fry Foundation Scholarship
Leadership Scholarships

Students should apply early because need-based funds go to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hands-on experience

Students start their clinical experience each term with structured observations of assessment and intervention procedures. They gain exposure to different patient populations through campus and off-campus placements.

Admission process

The program accepts applications until January 1 for fall entry. Applicants must have:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Recommended 3.0 overall GPA or 3.5 major GPA
Nine prerequisite courses with grade C or higher
Three recommendations
Personal statement

Rush takes an all-encompassing approach to admissions and doesn’t require GRE scores.

Career outcomes

The program’s graduates achieve a 100% pass rate on the national Praxis examination. They reach 100% employment within 12 months after graduation. Speech-language pathologists made a median annual wage of $79,060 in May 2021. Job opportunities should grow by 21% through 2031.

Saint Xavier University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Saint Xavier University’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology distinguishes itself from other Illinois speech pathology programs through its focused five-semester structure and exceptional graduate success rates.

Program overview

Saint Xavier’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology offers a complete 51-credit hour program that students can finish in just 1.5 years through five semesters. Students learn to help people of all ages who face communication and swallowing disorders through this in-person program. The program combines strong theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience. Students become experts in understanding normal human communication development and learn to evaluate and treat various disorders.

Accreditation

The master’s program has earned full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This respected accreditation will give graduates the qualifications they need for ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence, Illinois State Professional Licensure, and Illinois Professional Educator License to work in public schools.

Tuition and financial aid

The program costs $1,025 per credit hour, bringing the total to about $52,275. Students can access financial help through federal direct loans with a 7.94% fixed interest rate. Graduate students might also qualify for Federal Direct PLUS loans and graduate assistantships that offer valuable professional experience.

Clinical training

The on-campus Ludden Speech and Language Clinic serves as location for clinical education and helps nearly 200 clients each year with various communication disorders. Students can complete much of their required clinical hours right on campus. Faculty members who hold ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence supervise all clinical education.

Admission requirements

Applicants must:

Complete an undergraduate major or equivalent in speech-language pathology
Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
Submit three recommendation letters and a personal statement
Apply through CSDCAS by January 15 for fall admission

Career opportunities

The program shows outstanding results. All graduates find jobs within their first year. Students also achieve a perfect pass rate on the Praxis examination. Graduates can work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and private practices throughout Illinois.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville – MS in SLP

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers an innovative MS in Speech-Language Pathology program. The program stands out with its wide-ranging clinical training experiences and excellent graduate employment rates.

Program overview

Students need 36 semester hours of academic coursework to earn their Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at SIUE. The program offers three paths to completion: a complete exam with portfolio, thesis, or research integration with portfolio. Students learn through hands-on experiences thanks to a rigorous blend of academic and clinical services.

Accreditation and standards

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits SIUE’s MS education program. This respected accreditation will give graduates the qualifications they need for national certification and state licensure.

Tuition and aid availability

U.S. residents pay $384.30 per credit hour plus $114.80 in fees. This amounts to $499.10 per credit hour or approximately $8,983.80 annually for 18 credit hours. The cost for international students is $960.75 per credit hour plus fees. The program charges an additional clinical fee of $100 per credit hour.

Clinical experience

The program includes three externships: medical placement, school placement, and a third placement based on student preference. These clinical experiences help students find their ideal professional setting. Students get valuable hands-on training with real clients at the on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing Center.

Admission process

The program accepts applications through CSDCAS until January 15. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Competition is fierce with 238 qualified applicants each year. The program makes about 70 admission offers and typically welcomes 24 students per class.

Career outcomes

SIUE graduates find excellent job opportunities in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. Speech-language pathologists earn a median salary of approximately $80,000 annually, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts faster-than-average job growth.

Eastern Illinois University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Eastern Illinois University’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program has managed to keep its accreditation since 1970. The program gives students exceptional preparation through a perfect mix of classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience.

Program overview

The master’s program has 34 semester hours of core courses and 6 semester hours of advanced practicum. Students spend four academic terms on campus that include two summers, one fall, and one spring. They then complete two full-time 14-week internships—one medical and one educational. Students must pass comprehensive exams or complete a creative research project/thesis along with their coursework.

Accreditation and credibility

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology has accredited the program through 2032. Since its first accreditation in 1970, the program stands out for its strong faculty-student relationships. The university supports it as a “signature” graduate program, and students get excellent internship preparation. Students can meet requirements for both the Professional Educator License and Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation licensure.

Tuition and financial support

Program costs range between $24,015 and $25,142, and 99% of students get financial aid. Graduate assistantships help students gain professional experience while providing financial support.

Clinical practicum

Students complete a 14-week full-time practicum in educational settings and get more than 100 clock hours of therapy experience. ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists supervise all interns who take part in mentorship meetings throughout the semester.

Admission requirements

Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must complete specific prerequisite courses. They should submit their applications by January 15 with three letters of recommendation.

Career readiness

The program boasts 100% employment rates, and graduates often receive multiple job offers. Job opportunities show 27% growth between 2018-2028, which outpaces most other occupations. Graduates can build careers in healthcare (40%), schools (50%), or early intervention, universities, and other settings (10%).

Governors State University – MS in Communication Disorders

Governors State University’s Master of Health Science in Communication Disorders takes a community-focused approach. Students learn through hands-on clinical experiences instead of traditional university clinics.

Program overview

The MHS in Communication Disorders program is 52 years old and started as one of the university’s first degree programs. Students develop confidence, critical thinking skills, and cultural competence. The program readies students to work in health care, education, and private practice. About 20% of students study part-time, and the program lets students take required courses twice each academic year.

Accreditation

The program has managed to keep continuous accreditation since 1987. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology has accredited it through October 31, 2031. This accreditation will give graduates the qualifications they need for ASHA certification, Illinois licensure, and the Professional Educator License.

Tuition and aid

The total cost runs approximately $10,800 per year. About 89% of students get financial aid. Undergraduate students receive around $7,512 in aid, while graduate students get $6,354.

Clinical flexibility

A network of over 200 community sites makes this program stand out. Students gain clinical experience in at least three different settings. This approach gives students real-life preparation without depending on an on-campus clinic.

Admission process

Students must submit applications through CSDCAS by February 15. Requirements include:

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
Minimum 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate coursework
At least five completed courses in the discipline

Career outcomes

The program’s 89.6% Praxis exam pass rate (2021-2024) beats the national average of 87.1%. About 91.8% of students finish the program on schedule.

Elmhurst University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Elmhurst University’s MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program combines hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge. Students learn in cohorts and prepare themselves for rewarding careers in the field.

Program overview

The master’s program at Elmhurst consists of 60 semester hours spread across 22 courses. Students complete this full-time program in 21 months. The curriculum ensures graduates meet requirements for ASHA certification, state licensure, and employment in Illinois public schools.

Accreditation

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology has accredited the program through 2030. The program earned its original accreditation with perfect compliance, which was “remarkable for a program receiving its first accreditation approval”.

Tuition and financial aid

Students invest $70,000 to complete the program. Several financial aid options help students manage costs:

Merit-based Goodban Fellowship
Graduate Assistantships that cover one-quarter of tuition
Endowed scholarships for first-year students

Clinical training

The program requires 400 supervised clinical hours. Students train at the on-campus clinic and gain experience with specialized treatments like fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and SPEAK OUT! for Parkinson’s patients. They also collaborate with nursing and occupational therapy students through interprofessional education.

Admission requirements

Students must submit applications through CSDCAS. Requirements include a 3.2 minimum GPA, three recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a brief video submission. Applications close on January 15.

Career prospects

The program boasts a 100% success rate in both Praxis exam passing and job placement. The field shows strong growth potential with a projected 29% increase through 2030, creating 45,400 new positions.

Northern Illinois University – MA in Communicative Disorders

Northern Illinois University offers a comprehensive MA in Communicative Disorders program that gives you the specialized skills through a mix of theory and supervised clinical practice.

Program overview

Students need 53 semester hours minimum to complete the master’s degree, with 39 hours from nonpracticum courses. The program lets students choose a speech-language pathology specialization with thesis or non-thesis tracks. Students pursuing the thesis option can dedicate up to 3 semester hours to research and writing.

Accreditation and standards

The program maintains full accreditation through August 2025, which helps graduates meet ASHA certification requirements. The curriculum meets state licensure requirements and professional certification guidelines through rigorous academic standards.

Tuition and aid options

The program costs between $24,370 and $24,778 [link_2]. Almost all students (99%) receive financial support. The program stays available to qualified candidates with a 70% acceptance rate.

Clinical experience

The Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic provides students hands-on experience under expert supervision. Each student must have professional liability insurance, CPR certification and complete health screenings.

Admission process

The program accepts applications until January 15 for summer entry. Candidates need a 3.0 minimum GPA, two recommendation letters and must apply through both CSDCAS and NIU Graduate School.

Career outcomes

NIU graduates earn $81,038 on average. Chicago Public Schools, Northwestern Medicine, and Aegis Therapies rank among top employers.

Western Illinois University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Western Illinois University’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program builds a close-knit community. Students benefit from small class sizes and hands-on clinical training that provides individual attention.

Program overview

The MS in Speech Pathology needs 39 semester hours of didactic coursework along with extensive clinical experiences. Students complete this full-time program in two years, which includes a summer session between first and second years. Small graduate classes of 20-25 students create an engaging learning environment. Faculty members can give each student the attention they need.

Accreditation and recognition

The Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has granted national accreditation to the program. Students who graduate meet every academic requirement for ASHA certification. Students can also complete Illinois public school licensure requirements if they plan to work in the state.

Tuition and financial aid

Students pay between $24,256 and $25,061 for the program. Most students (95%) receive financial help. Graduate assistantships come with monthly stipends and tuition waivers. Merit-based scholarships currently available include the Cynthia Monkman Scholarship for Clinical Excellence ($200/semester).

Clinical practicum

Students learn in many settings. These include the on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Students spend their final semester completing two 8-10 week off-campus internships. This complete training helps students work with communication disorders in patients of all ages.

WIU admission requirements

Students must submit applications by January 15. They need a minimum 3.0 GPA (or 3.25 in last 60 credit hours), three recommendation letters, and a personal statement. Applications go through both CSDCAS and WIU Graduate Studies.

Career readiness

Students achieve a 100% pass rate on the PRAXIS II examination. Every graduate finds employment within three months after completing the program. The job market for SLPs continues to grow with an expected 18% increase.

Midwestern University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Midwestern University prepares future speech-language pathologists through patient-focused training at its campuses in Downers Grove, Illinois and Glendale, Arizona.

Program overview

The MS in Speech-Language Pathology program has two paths: a 21-month Traditional Track and a 24-month Leveling Track designed for students who need SLP prerequisites. Students must complete 107-113 quarter credits based on their choice between a thesis or capstone project. The first year combines classroom learning with clinical practice, which leads to advanced placements in healthcare or educational settings.

Accreditation

The program received its maximum eight-year reaccreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation. The program met all 49 standards without any compliance issues. The site visitors were particularly impressed by the program’s integration of interprofessional practice and faculty teamwork.

Tuition and aid

Students at Downers Grove pay around $51,196 annually, while Glendale students pay $49,203, plus additional fees of about $1,000. Students who qualify can access financial support through Federal Work-Study programs.

Clinical training

Students start their hands-on training at the Speech-Language Institute during their second quarter. The training program has brain examination labs and student interactions with standardized patients in the Clinical Skills and Simulation Center.

Admission process

Students must apply through CSDCAS with a bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, and two recommendation letters. The program reviews applications on a rolling basis.

Career outcomes

The program boasts impressive results with a 94-95% Praxis exam pass rate and 90-95% of graduates finding jobs within three months. The SLP field should grow by 21% through 2031, with professionals earning median salaries of $79,060 per year.

DePaul University – MS in Speech-Language Pathology

DePaul University’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program stands out with its Vincentian mission that serves underserved populations while providing detailed clinical education.

Program overview

Students need 102 credit hours spread across seven quarters to complete the MS in Speech-Language Pathology. The curriculum covers six major areas: core courses (12 credit hours), research (5 credits), child/adolescent courses (19 credits), adult courses (16 credits), other disorder courses (13 credits), and clinical education (37 credits). Students learn to diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders at every life stage.

Accreditation

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology has granted the program Candidate for Accreditation status through 2026. This candidacy lasts up to five years.

Tuition and financial aid

The 2024-2025 graduate tuition rate is $838 per credit hour. New students can receive tuition awards worth $525 for each four-credit course. DePaul alumni get the Double Demon Scholarship that covers 25% of their tuition.

Clinical experience

The program includes four quarters of clinical practica at the campus clinic and two quarters of externships. The clinic runs on donations and welcomes clients of all ages. Students complete their externships at prestigious Chicagoland institutions.

Admission requirements

Students must submit applications through CSDCAS by December 31. They need a minimum 3.0 GPA, three recommendation letters, and must complete all prerequisite courses.

Career prospects

Graduates must pass the Praxis exam and finish a Clinical Fellowship Year before getting ASHA certification. They can work in schools, hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Augustana College – MS in Speech-Language Pathology

Augustana College offers a values-driven MS in Speech-Language Pathology program. Students gain clinical expertise and learn to appreciate communication’s vital role in human dignity.

Program overview

This 24-month program needs 84 credits of graduate work. The curriculum has coursework, clinical experiences, service learning, and research opportunities. The program started in 2020 and focuses on open-mindedness, reflective thinking, and critical analysis—core principles of liberal arts education.

Accreditation

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology has fully accredited the MS education program. A four-year process proved it right. The program runs one of the nation’s oldest college-based speech clinics.

Tuition and aid

Students pay annual tuition of $34,850 (2024-25) and $35,550 (2025-26). Financial support options include merit-based graduate assistantships that need 12 weekly hours. The Debra Betts ’73 Bork Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Studies Award is also available.

Clinical practicum

The Barbara A. Roseman Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing serves as students’ training ground. Students also complete semester-long school-based and medical externships. Each graduate earns over 400 clinical hours.

Admission process

Students can apply through three paths: Direct Admission (high school seniors), Junior Year Admission (Augustana juniors), and Regular Admission. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Career outcomes

The program achieved 100% completion rates in 2022-2023. Every graduate found employment within 12 months.

Pick the Right SLP Master’s in Illinois

Picking the right speech and language pathology program is a vital step toward your professional success in this rewarding field. This guide highlights 15 outstanding programs in Illinois. Each program has its own strengths while upholding high standards of education and clinical training. You’ll find options ranging from Northwestern University’s prestigious program to more budget-friendly choices at Governors State University. Illinois gives you educational paths that match your career goals and budget.

These programs have several standout features. Most achieve 100% pass rates on the Praxis exam and excellent employment rates. They also provide rich clinical experiences through on-campus clinics or networks of external placement sites. Your clinical training prepares you to help people of all ages who have communication and swallowing disorders.

Speech-language pathologists have bright career prospects ahead. Job opportunities will grow by 18% through 2033, which outpaces average job growth by a lot. The field pays well too – licensed therapists earn up to $92,800 while assistants start at $43,490.

Note that accreditation, tuition costs, financial aid, and clinical opportunities should shape your decision. Each program leads to certification and licensure, though requirements and structures differ among schools.

Your final choice should line up with your situation, career goals, and learning style. This detailed guide to Illinois’s top speech and language pathology programs gives you key information to begin your path in this growing healthcare field. Illinois offers some of the nation’s best options to help you become a skilled speech-language pathologist.