3 Best SLP Master’s Degrees in Iowa (2025-2026 Guide)

A degree in speech language pathology from Iowa could be your ticket to a rewarding career. The job market for speech-language pathologists in Iowa looks incredibly promising. Experts project a 30% growth through 2030, which beats the national growth forecast of 18-19% by a lot.

Your earning power with this qualification packs quite a punch. Speech-Language Pathology Assistants in Iowa City take home about $43,490 yearly. Licensed Speech Therapists can earn up to $92,800 per year. Speech-language pathologists across Iowa earn a solid average of $82,210 annually.

Iowa brings some compelling advantages to students who want to become speech pathologists. The state’s programs rank among the nation’s best. Students benefit from affordable tuition, excellent job placement rates, and robust clinical training opportunities. The career outlook seems even brighter with about 130 new jobs expected each year statewide. This makes a master’s degree in speech language pathology a smart investment, especially when you have Iowa’s quality education system.

Ready to take the next step? Let’s look at the three best speech language pathology programs Iowa offers.

1. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa leads the way in speech-language pathology education. It made history as the first university to create a systematic teaching and research program in this field. Iowa has managed to keep its prestigious standing and now ranks as the 5th best speech pathology program nationwide. Students looking for a master’s degree in speech language pathology will find an impressive mix of academic excellence, hands-on experience, and professional training.

Program Overview

The Master of Science program in speech-language pathology at Iowa provides complete training if you have plans for a clinical career in speech-language pathology. This program has shaped the profession from day one. It continues its mission as a top institution for training, research, clinical service, and participation in communication sciences and disorders.

The program’s accreditation stands out as a major strength. Students who graduate meet every academic and practicum requirement for clinical certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensure by the State of Iowa. This accreditation means you’ll receive education that hits the highest professional standards in the field.

The program runs within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. You can choose to pursue your degree with or without a thesis. This flexibility lets you arrange your studies based on your career goals and research interests.

Iowa’s commitment to academic and clinical excellence through teamwork makes it special. The program uses an expert model that blends cutting-edge research with real-world clinical applications. The core team works closely together to create smooth knowledge transfer between research and clinical care. This approach keeps your education at the cutting edge of the field.

Curriculum Highlights

The Master of Science in speech-language pathology asks for at least 53 semester hours of graduate credit. Most students finish in two calendar years (five semesters): Fall, Spring, and Summer of year one, then Fall and Spring of year two.

The program arranges its curriculum to make sure you’re ready for professional work right after graduation. Core courses cover key areas such as:

• Speech and language disorders
• Assessment and diagnostic techniques
• Treatment methodologies
• Evidence-based practice
• Professional ethics and clinical decision-making

A thesis isn’t required, but research-minded students should think about this option. Non-thesis students must earn 6 semester hours from electives. Thesis students take 2 semester hours of electives plus 4 semester hours in research.

Iowa’s curriculum stands out because it emphasizes evidence-based practice. Every student takes a seminar that teaches them to be smart consumers of research. This helps you build critical thinking skills needed for making clinical decisions based on the latest science.

The program focuses heavily on learning outcomes. Graduates show mastery of Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA) competencies, use critical thinking for clinical decisions, apply evidence-based practice, and follow the ASHA Code of Ethics. These skills line up perfectly with professional certification requirements and career success.

Clinical Training

Iowa’s clinical education model sets it apart from other programs. The department uses an expert model and team approach. Students usually rotate through six specialty-based clinical teams. These include:

• Aural Rehabilitation
• Early Childhood
• General Speech and Language Disorders (including autism focus)
• Acquired Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Voice Disorders
• Fluency Disorders

Clinical faculty at the Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Clinic lead each team. Through rotations, students typically get 175-200 hours of direct supervision from faculty before outplacements. This one-on-one teaching builds significant clinical skills like client-centered interactions, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making.

Summer sessions involve intensive therapy programs at the clinic. Students work with UI SHINE, helping children and teens who stutter or have hearing impairments. Your clinical team assignment might also include programs like Communication Explorers, Social Climbers, or Language and Literacy Clubs.

Students learn to work across disciplines through activities with Audiology, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Medical Education, and Physician Assistant programs. This prepares you for today’s collaborative healthcare environment.

Your final semester includes two full-time 8-week outplacements at clinical sites. Iowa has contracts with more than 100 clinical locations locally and nationally, including:

• University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
• Veterans Administration Medical Center
• Area Education Agency school districts
• Specialized rehabilitation centers
• Children’s hospitals
• Private practices nationwide

This extensive hands-on training gives you experience with different settings and populations.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For prospective students concerned about financing their education, the University of Iowa offers various support options. The estimated annual cost for students enrolled in Speech Pathology and Audiology includes tuition and additional expenses:

• Records and documents fee (first semester): $250
• Living expenses: $20,976
• Books and supplies: $650

These figures reflect the estimated annual student costs based on federal financial aid guidelines. The actual tuition rates vary depending on residency status and enrollment.

Notably, students holding assistantships (quarter-time or more) are classified as residents for fee purposes during their appointment terms and adjacent summer sessions. These students are not assessed a technology fee and those holding teaching or research assistantships covered by the COGS bargaining unit receive a minimum tuition scholarship.

All Master’s and AuD students are eligible and considered for funding based on merit and availability. Funding opportunities include:

• Tuition scholarships
• Research assistantships
• Teaching assistantships

Teaching Assistant positions typically involve 10 hours weekly assisting faculty with lab or discussion sections, grading papers, and holding office hours. Research Assistants also work approximately 10 hours weekly with faculty members in research labs.

The department’s commitment to student support is evident in their scholarship distribution. In the past year, $107,000 in scholarship dollars were awarded to 49 Communication Sciences and Disorders students. These scholarships come from generous donations honoring specific individuals, with some awarded at admission and others selected by the faculty scholarship committee.

For additional funding options, the Graduate College offers extensive information about financial support methods for graduate students.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the University of Iowa’s MS program in speech-language pathology is competitive, with decisions based on an applicant’s credentials relative to others in the applicant pool. The program admits approximately 24-25 students each year for fall semester entry only.

The Admissions Committee reviews all aspects of applications, considering not only test scores and coursework but also experience with vulnerable populations, leadership qualities, personal interests, recommendation letters, and critical thinking skills. The department is also committed to maximizing diversity within their graduate student population.

To be admitted, you must meet several requirements:

1. Agree to adhere to ASHA’s Code of Ethics, particularly regarding nondiscrimination
2. Attest to possessing the essential functions required to practice speech-language pathology
3. Fulfill prerequisite coursework requirements
4. Earn a GPA that meets admission criteria (applicants with GPAs below 3.4 are rarely accepted)

The prerequisite coursework includes courses typically taken outside communication sciences departments:

• A biological science course (human or animal biology)
• A physical science course (physics or chemistry)
• A social/behavioral science course
• An introductory statistics course

As well as CSD-specific courses:

• Phonology/Phonetics (3 credits)
• Anatomy and Physiology of Speech (3 credits)
• Hearing Science/Speech Science/Acoustics (3-4 credits)
• Neurological bases of Speech, Language, and Hearing (3 credits)
• Language Acquisition (3 credits)
• Hearing Loss and Audiometry (3 credits)
• Aural Rehabilitation (3 credits)
• Developmental Speech and Language Disorders (3-5 credits)

Additionally, you must complete 25 hours of clinical observation documented by an ASHA-certified practitioner before beginning the graduate program.

For those with undergraduate degrees outside communication sciences and disorders, two pathways exist: complete prerequisite courses as a non-degree seeking student before applying to the two-year program, or apply as a three-year student and complete prerequisites during the first year.

The application deadline is January 1 for fall enrollment, and applications must be submitted through the Central Application Service for Communication Science and Disorders (CSDCAS). Notably, GRE scores are no longer required for this program.

Career Outcomes

The career prospects for graduates of the University of Iowa’s speech-language pathology program are exceptional. The department’s strong reputation and comprehensive training prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation.

A key advantage is that graduates meet all academic and practicum requirements for clinical certification by ASHA and for licensure by the State of Iowa. Students preparing for clinical positions in public schools also meet the licensure requirements for Iowa and most other states.

The program’s success is reflected in its impressive achievement data. For the past three academic years (2021-2024), the program has maintained excellent completion rates:

• 2023-24: 100% of students (24 out of 24) completed the program within expected time
• 2022-23: 100% of students (29 out of 29) completed the program within expected time
• 2021-22: 100% of students (23 out of 23) completed the program within expected time

Equally impressive are the Praxis examination pass rates, which are required for professional certification:

• 2023-24: 100% passed (21 out of 21 test takers)
• 2022-23: 100% passed (24 out of 24 test takers)
• 2021-22: 100% passed (23 out of 23 test takers)

While specific employment rate data is no longer published for accreditation purposes, the department notes that all recent graduates who sought jobs found employment. This high placement rate speaks to both the quality of the program and the strong demand for speech-language pathologists.

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders provides excellent preparation for diverse career paths. Graduates can pursue clinical positions in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, and other healthcare settings. The field continues to rank highly in “best job” surveys, with strong demand for qualified professionals.

For those interested in academic careers, the University of Iowa also offers a Ph.D. program in Speech and Hearing Science, providing flexible, comprehensive training for scholar-researchers interested in communication processes and their disorders.

2. St. Ambrose University

St. Ambrose University takes a customized approach to speech-language pathology education, rooted in Catholic tradition. This Davenport, Iowa institution offers a complete degree in speech language pathology that blends academic excellence with hands-on clinical experience. The program builds on evidence-based practice and social justice principles to prepare graduates who can serve patients of all backgrounds in healthcare and educational settings.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) at St. Ambrose University readies students for professional practice in two years. This on-campus program has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) through 2027. The next review is set for August 2026.

St. Ambrose’s approach stands out by combining Catholic values with scientific excellence. The university’s mission enables “all Ambrosians to act courageously, to seek wisdom through faith and reason, to work for justice and to lead lives of service”. This mission shows up in the program’s distinctive focus on social justice throughout the curriculum.

Students start as a group in fall semester. They spend their first year on the Davenport campus. The second year gives them freedom to complete internships anywhere in the country. This setup helps build strong bonds between students and faculty while offering flexibility for clinical work.

Students here start working with real clients just three weeks into the program. This quick start reflects the program’s belief in learning through practice, with expert faculty standing by to help.

Curriculum Highlights

St. Ambrose’s MSLP program requires 60 credits over two years. The complete curriculum has:

• One year of clinical experience and coursework
• Two full-time internships (child and adult settings)
• A graduate research project
• A service learning presentation on speech-language pathology and social justice
• An evidence-based capstone paper

The program spreads courses across five terms. First-term students take core classes like Critical Thinking and Evidence-Based Practice, Research Methods, Foundations of Assessment, and Acquired Disorders of Language and Cognition. Winter sessions offer Early Intervention or Multicultural Clinic Abroad experiences, showing the program’s commitment to diverse clinical exposure.

Spring term brings courses in Developmental Disorders, Multicultural Assessment, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and Dysphagia. Students continue through summer and second year, finishing internships while taking online Clinical Reasoning courses.

The program includes See-the-Sound Visual Phonics training, giving students extra tools to help clients with speech sound disorders. Social justice remains a key focus, with service learning woven throughout the program.

Students develop research skills through Research Methods courses and finish with a Graduate Research Project. Many students present their work professionally. Recent graduates shared their research on interprofessional education for aphasia treatment at the Iowa Speech and Language Hearing Association conference.

Clinical Training

The SAU RiteCare Clinic anchors clinical training as both a teaching facility and community resource. This clinic stands alone in Iowa as the only free facility offering speech-language pathology services to those who can’t afford care or don’t qualify elsewhere. The clinic provides about 2,000 hours of speech-language pathology services free each year.

Recent funding from the Scott County Regional Authority and Iowa Scottish Rite Masonic Foundation helped upgrade the RiteCare Clinic. They installed Video Audio Learning Tool (VALT) technology in six rooms. This system lets supervisors watch sessions and give instant feedback, creating valuable teaching moments.

Program director Dr. Elisa Huff explains: “The VALT system allows us to take advantage of in-the-moment learning opportunities by seeing these clinical interactions in real-time. Now, the faculty supervisor and student can discuss areas of student growth by watching parts of the therapy session together”.

Students gain more experience through partnerships with:

• SAU Children’s Campus
• SAU Interprofessional Clinic
• Friendly House Preschool
• Empower House
• Hope at the Brick House
• Edwards Educational Tutoring Ministry

The Interprofessional Health Clinic lets students work with occupational therapy, physical therapy, and social work students. This teamwork prepares them for real-world healthcare settings.

Second-year students complete two 10-12 week full-time internships with both children and adults. They can do these internships locally or nationwide while taking online courses. This flexibility helps students gain experience where they want to work.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For students entering the MSLP Program in Fall 2024, the total tuition cost for the two-year program was $70,970. This comprehensive figure includes tuition, course fees, liability insurance, technology fees, matriculation fee, and graduation application fees. The program uses a “One Price Tuition Plan” that freezes tuition rates when students enter, making financial planning more predictable.

Tuition is billed in five equal payments at the beginning of each fall, spring, and summer semester. This structured payment plan helps students manage their finances throughout the program.

Beyond tuition, students should budget for additional expenses including:

• Housing and living expenses
• Books and optional course supplies
• Parking fees (approximately $60 per semester in year one)
• CPR certification (approximately $45)
• Background checks for clinical education (approximately $76)
• Required immunizations
• Travel and housing during clinical education
• Graduation regalia (approximately $100)
• ASHA membership fee (approximately $50)
• National exam registration fee (approximately $120)

Financial assistance comes in various forms. Graduate assistantships can reduce total tuition costs or provide supplementary income. Veterans, service members, and their families may qualify for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Federal financial aid options include Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans. The university offers merit-based scholarships as well, though these vary by program and availability. For instance, students pursuing a master’s degree in speech pathology might be eligible for program-specific scholarships.

The university emphasizes making education accessible, with financial aid advisors available to help students navigate funding options. Ultimately, despite the significant investment, the strong employment outcomes and earning potential for graduates make this a valuable career preparation pathway.

Admission Requirements

Admission to St. Ambrose’s MSLP program is competitive but accessible to qualified candidates. The program offers both standard admission and an Early Decision Pathway for high school seniors and first-year college students planning to continue at SAU for their master’s degree.

For standard admission, applicants typically need:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (applicants with GPAs in the range of 2.93-4.00 have been offered admission)
• Completion of prerequisite coursework
• Three letters of recommendation
• A personal essay
• Documentation of observation hours with certified speech-language pathologists

Prerequisite coursework includes general education content areas (with grades of ‘C’ or better):

• Biology
• Physics or Chemistry
• Statistics
• Social Science

Additionally, coursework for a minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders is required, with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 in these courses. The seven required courses include Intro Speech Pathology, Phonetics, Articulation and Phonological Disorders, Neurology, Anatomy and Physiology, Speech and Hearing Science, Language Development and Disorders, and Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation.

Applications are processed through the Centralized Application Service for Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSDCAS). For fall admission, the application deadline is February 1.

The Early Decision Pathway offers a unique opportunity for students beginning their undergraduate studies at St. Ambrose. High school seniors need a minimum 3.0/4.0 unweighted GPA, acceptance to St. Ambrose, a personal statement, a letter of reference, and documentation of at least 6 hours of observation with a certified speech-language pathologist.

First-year college students can also enter this pathway with a 3.0 cumulative GPA by the end of their second semester, 6 hours of observation, and a personal statement. To maintain eligibility, students must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA, earn a 3.3 GPA in the Communication Sciences and Disorders minor, and document 25 hours of observation prior to starting the MSLP program.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of St. Ambrose’s MSLP program consistently demonstrate excellent outcomes. Over the past three years, 97% of students who entered the program have completed it. This high completion rate reflects both selective admissions standards and strong academic support throughout the program.

The program’s effectiveness is further evidenced by exceptional Praxis examination pass rates. In the past three years, 94% of graduates passed the examination on their first attempt. Even more impressively, 100% of graduates passed the examination within three months of graduation. These results demonstrate the program’s success in preparing students for this crucial professional certification requirement.

Employment outcomes are equally strong. According to the university, 100% of responding MSLP graduates are working in the field. This success can be attributed to both the program’s quality and the growing demand for speech-language pathologists. Indeed, employment in this field is projected to grow 19% by 2032, with the highest-earning 10% of speech-language pathologists making more than $126,680 annually.

Graduates are prepared for diverse employment settings, including:

• Hospitals and clinics
• Schools and educational institutions
• Rehabilitation centers
• Private practices
• Pediatric clinics
• Skilled nursing facilities

The program’s emphasis on both clinical skills and research prepares graduates for various career paths. Some graduates, like Brandi Marticoff (Class of 2025), discover a passion for research during their studies and pursue doctoral programs after gaining clinical experience. Others move directly into clinical practice in their preferred settings.

As Marticoff noted about her experience: “The foundation they gave us was superb. The background and the education that we got was amazing, and I really put it to use during my internships”. This sentiment reflects the program’s success in preparing graduates who are confident and competent as they enter the workforce.

The masters degree in speech language pathology from St. Ambrose ultimately provides a direct pathway to professional certification. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for certification by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and typically qualify for state licensing as well. This ensures graduates can begin their careers without unnecessary delays or additional requirements.

3. University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa stands out as an excellent choice if you want to pursue speech language pathology. The program has earned national recognition throughout the Midwest and across the nation. U.S. News and World Report named it a “Best Graduate Schools for Speech-Language Pathology” in 2021.

Program Overview

UNI’s Master of Arts program in speech-language pathology helps students become clinically competent and certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The program combines ground learning with research opportunities. Students work with faculty in specialized labs like the Voice Lab, Augmentative and Alternative Communication Lab, and Feeding and Swallowing Lab.

The professional program gives you a complete educational experience that prepares you for careers in all settings. Students can smoothly transition from undergraduate studies to graduate-level training on their path to professional certification.

Curriculum Highlights

Students learn to think independently and critically when evaluating and managing people with communication impairments. The research requirement offers three options:

• Research thesis (detailed empirical project with subject data)
• Empirical project (less detailed than thesis but still using subjects)
• Non-empirical project (such as clinical training videos or websites)

Core courses in the program include:

• Research Methods
• Treatment of Child Language Disorders
• Disorders of Voice
• Motor Speech Disorders
• Advanced Clinical Practice
• Diagnostics in Communication Disorders
• Dysphagia
• Aphasia and Related Disorders
• Clinical Phonology
• Fluency Disorders

Clinical Training

Students get their clinical education at the Roy Eblen Speech and Hearing Clinic on campus and several satellite centers. They gain hands-on experience treating various speech, language, and hearing disorders. The program includes three semesters of clinical work followed by two full-time internships in the final semester.

The department’s technology-equipped spaces support research and clinical services. Students use state-of-the-art equipment and often team up with industry leaders on influential research.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate students in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences pay $5,115 per semester (Iowa residents, 9+ credits) or $10,966 (non-residents) for 2024-2025. Full-time students pay $686 in mandatory fees each semester. Housing and food costs run about $9,986 yearly.

UNI helps offset these costs through various financial support options. The university remains Iowa’s most affordable four-year public institution.

Admission Requirements

Qualified candidates can easily apply to this competitive graduate program. You can start in Fall (apply by January 20) or Spring (apply by September 15).

You’ll need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Sciences & Disorders (or equivalent prerequisites)
• Minimum 2.75 GPA (3.0 recommended to be competitive)
• Resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• Completed Clinical Observation Hours form
• Applicant statement

The program no longer asks for GRE scores.

Career Outcomes

Graduates enjoy remarkable success with a 100% career placement rate. They work in clinics, hospitals, and schools nationwide. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 25% increase in speech pathologist jobs, making UNI graduates well-positioned for success.

The program’s perfect completion rate shows that all students finish their degrees on time. These numbers reflect the program’s quality and the support students receive throughout their academic experience.

Choose an Iowa SLP Master’s Today

Your professional future depends on picking the right speech language pathology program. This piece looks at three exceptional Iowa schools that prepare students for this fast-growing field. The University of Iowa leads the pack with its historic role in the profession and impressive national ranking. St. Ambrose University stands out with its unique social justice focus and individual-specific approach. Without doubt, University of Northern Iowa rounds out this trio of excellence with its perfect placement rate and quality recognition.

Iowa proves ideal for speech language pathology education as these programs share several key strengths. Each school has exceptional Praxis examination pass rates that show how well they prepare students for certification. Their complete clinical training models help students graduate with substantial hands-on experience in a variety of settings and populations. These programs cost less than out-of-state options, making them financially attractive even with the substantial investment needed.

Graduates face strong career prospects, with job opportunities growing substantially faster than national averages. The projected 30% growth through 2030 means about 130 new jobs yearly in Iowa. This need, plus competitive salaries averaging $82,210 statewide, shows that a masters degree in speech language pathology offers great value.

Your choice depends on program structure, priorities, and specific interests within the field. The University of Iowa might be right if you value research opportunities and national prestige. St. Ambrose University could fit best if you like a cohort model with social justice emphasis. University of Northern Iowa might serve you well if perfect job placement and affordability top your list.

Whatever program you pick, a speech language pathology degree from Iowa sets you up for success in a rewarding career helping others overcome communication challenges. Quality education, extensive clinical experience, and strong professional demand make this path both personally rewarding and professionally secure.