9 Best Speech Pathology Programs in Ohio
Ohio has 12 universities with American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) accredited programs. This gives you plenty of excellent options to choose from if you’re interested in speech pathology.
The state’s speech pathology programs offer impressive variety. Ohio State, Cincinnati, and Ohio University stand out by offering both Master’s and Doctorate degrees. Case Western Reserve brings unique advantages to the table with one-on-one supervision and clinical placements throughout Greater Cleveland. On top of that, these speech therapy masters programs show remarkable results. Students achieve over 95% on-time completion rates, perfect Praxis examination pass rates, and more than 97% employment within a year after graduation.
Your future job prospects look bright after graduation. Ohio’s job market shows a strong demand for SLPs, with positions available in schools, hospitals, and private practices. The pay is competitive too – Speech-Language Pathology Assistants earn around $43,490 yearly, while licensed Speech Therapists can make up to $92,800 annually. Most graduates report median earnings of about $80,500.
This guide explores the 9 best speech pathology programs in Ohio. You’ll find a breakdown of their features, acceptance rates, tuition costs, and student fit profiles to help you choose the right path for your career.
Ohio State University – Best Overall SLP Program
Ohio State University ranks as the state’s top institution for speech-language pathology education. Ranked #21 among speech-language pathology programs by U.S. News & World Report, OSU’s Master of Arts program prepares you to excel in your professional career.
Key features
Students get an exceptional educational experience through OSU’s well-laid-out speech-language pathology curriculum. The professional education program takes two years (5-6 semesters) of consecutive full-time enrollment. You’ll gain both academic knowledge and clinical skills thoroughly.
The program meets all requirements for ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence and Ohio state licensure, which means you’ll be fully qualified when you graduate. The program stands out because of its:
- Faculty members with extensive clinical and research expertise
- Strong academic program focused on evidence-based practice
- Clinical training starting in your first semester
- Major metropolitan setting with clinical placements in hospitals, schools, and private practices
You’ll build expertise in all nine practice areas of speech-language pathology and have great career prospects after graduation.
Acceptance rate and competitiveness
OSU’s SLP program sets high academic standards with selective admissions. The Graduate School wants a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA. Recent students’ academic credentials have been impressive:
- 2025 cohort: 7 average GPA
- 2024 cohort: 3.9 average GPA
- 2023 cohort: 3.8 average GPA
- 2022 cohort: 3.9 average GPA
The program looks at more than just GPA. Your grades in prerequisite courses matter. Faculty recommendations from professors who know you well count too. Short essays should show original thinking and strong writing skills. About 85% of OSU’s Speech and Hearing Science undergrads get into graduate school, though spots remain competitive.
Tuition and financial aid
OSU’s MA-SLP program costs vary based on where you live. Ohio residents pay $829.75 per credit hour for instruction, plus a $32.63 general fee and $9.30 student union fee. Non-residents pay an extra $1,874.50 per credit hour.
Taking 8+ credit hours? Ohio residents pay about $7,199 per semester. Non-residents shell out roughly $22,195 due to the extra charges.
PhD students get priority for funding, but MA-SLP students have several options:
- University and national fellowships through the Graduate School
- Federal financial aid
- Graduate Associateships (limited departmental spots)
- Summer GA appointments (fewer positions available)
Best for
OSU’s speech pathology program suits students who want prestigious education in a big city setting. You’ll love this program if you value:
- Clinical experiences in various settings from day one
- Research work with top faculty
- Training in all nine speech-language pathology areas
- Great job prospects – graduates find employment quickly
The program combines a large research university’s resources with hands-on clinical experience throughout Columbus.
University of Cincinnati – Best Online Option
The University of Cincinnati has one of Ohio’s best online Master of Arts programs in Speech-Language Pathology. This program gives working professionals the freedom to learn at their own pace while combining online classes with hands-on clinical training.
Key features
The program stands out from regular campus options through these unique elements:
- Part-time structure that runs for 3 years (8 semesters), so you can keep working during the first half
- Collaborative design with The University of Akron lets students take academic courses at both schools
- Hybrid format that blends online classes with in-person clinical practice starting in semester three
- Geographic requirement means you need to live within 4 hours of Cincinnati for clinical placements
Students learn everything about speech-language disorders, from language and literacy to phonology, aphasia, motor speech disorders, dysphagia, and augmentative communication. The clinical part starts part-time and grows to full-time in the final year. This gives students real-life experience in a variety of settings.
Acceptance rate and competitiveness
The University of Cincinnati has more available admission spots than some other schools, with an 85% acceptance rate. The program still draws huge interest with 25,775 people applying for spots.
You’ll need to meet these requirements to get in:
- Bachelor’s degree with 3.0 minimum overall undergraduate GPA
- Grade of ‘B-‘ or better in communication sciences and disorders courses
- Finished prerequisite courses and 25 hours of guided clinical observation
- Living within 4 hours of the university
Tuition and financial aid
The program’s tuition changes based on where you live:
Ohio residents pay $662.00 per credit hour for instructional fees, plus these extras:
- General fee: $39.80 per credit hour
- Campus life fee: $26.20 per credit hour
- ITIE fee: $18.00 per credit hour
- Program fee: $8.00 per credit hour
Students from other states pay just $15.00 more per credit hour, which makes this program cheaper than many others. Kentucky and Indiana residents pay a bit more at $25.00 extra per credit hour.
Most semesters include 7-9 credit hours, which keeps costs manageable. One-time costs include $125 for Calipso, $110 for Simucase membership, and $146 for Praxis registration.
The good news is 85% of students get some type of financial aid. The Student Financial Aid Office helps you plan and use available aid options.
Best for
This program works great for:
- Working professionals who can keep their jobs during the first few semesters
- Career-changers who need flexible schedules while getting clinical credentials
- Regional students who live within 4 hours of Cincinnati
- Those seeking excellent employment prospects – Every graduate finds a job
- Salary-conscious students who can earn around $84,405 yearly after graduating
The program gives you a practical way to get speech-language pathology certification without moving. It’s perfect for people who want to balance their work and education goals in the Ohio area.
University of Akron – Best Hybrid Program
The University of Akron has a unique way to teach speech-language pathology with its innovative hybrid program structure. Through collaboration with the University of Cincinnati, students can earn a complete Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology. The program blends online flexibility with significant hands-on clinical experiences.
Key features
The Akron-Cincinnati Collaborative Online program stands out from other speech pathology programs in Ohio. Here’s what makes it special:
- Fully online coursework delivered asynchronously lets you watch lectures at your convenience, with some evening “live” chat sessions
- Clinical placements close to your home (within 50 miles) mean you don’t need to relocate
- Eight-semester timeline (2 years, 8 months) starts each January
- Dual-university experience lets you take courses at both University of Akron and Cincinnati
The program has earned notable recognition. It ranks #7 among “best speech-pathology online master’s programs” and #5 among “most affordable online speech-pathology master’s degrees” based on 2020 rankings. Students achieve a 100% pass rate on the Praxis national exam and find jobs quickly with a 100% job placement rate for active job seekers.
Students can specialize in unique areas like the Interprofessional-Hearing Early Access Response through Telepractice (I-HEART) program and the Augmentative-Alternative Communication (AAC) Certificate. The University of Akron is one of the rare institutions, possibly the only one, that offers a formal AAC certificate in its speech-language pathology master’s programs.
Acceptance rate and competitiveness
The program’s 85% acceptance rate makes it more available than many competitors. Competition remains strong with over 11,000 applicants trying to secure spots.
You need these qualifications to apply:
- Bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or finished post-baccalaureate sequence
- Minimum 3.0 GPA overall and in-field
- B- or higher grades in prerequisite in-field courses
- Finished ASHA Standard IV-A and IV-B course requirements
- Three letters of recommendation
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate student tuition depends on where you live:
Ohio residents pay $12,128.18 yearly for tuition and fees, while non-residents pay $20,038.58. Other costs include room and board ($13,162), books and supplies ($1,200), transportation ($2,400), and personal expenses ($3,150).
Most students (96%) get some type of financial aid. While there aren’t program-specific scholarships right now, several endowed scholarships help qualifying students:
- Andrea M. Hamer Endowed Memorial Scholarship (favors non-traditional students)
- Mary Coates Longerich Scholarship
- Charlotte Essner Fellowship
- Yvonne M. Gillette and David S. Lathrop Fellowship (for AAC focus)
Best for
This hybrid program works great for:
- Distance learners who want a fully accredited program without moving
- Working professionals – but full-time work only fits during the first two semesters
- Students interested in specialized certificates in AAC or helping children with hearing loss
- Budget-conscious students looking for an affordable, highly-ranked program
Remember that clinical placements start in the third semester. You’ll need a flexible schedule to match your supervising SLP’s availability.
Kent State University – Best for Research Opportunities
Kent State University stands out as a research leader among Ohio’s speech pathology programs. Students interested in innovative studies and clinical research will find exceptional opportunities here.
Key features
The speech-language pathology program at Kent State sets itself apart with robust research facilities:
- Speech-Language Physiology Laboratory under Dr. Hayley Arnold’s direction examines childhood stuttering through speech-language planning, speech motor production, and emotional factors
- Ohio’s only SPEAK OUT! Therapy and Research Center gives students unique clinical and research experiences
- English Language Proficiency Clinic provides specialized training
- Simucase simulations help improve learning beyond traditional methods
Students can choose between Master’s and PhD paths. The doctoral program uses a mentorship model that lets students find faculty members with matching research interests. Students can tailor their PhD studies from clinical to research applications.
The PhD program encourages students to connect with potential faculty mentors before they apply. This approach helps create strong research partnerships right from the start.
Acceptance rate and competitiveness
Kent State remains accessible to qualified candidates:
The Master’s program in Speech-Language Pathology recently received 188 applications and accepted 95 candidates—a 50.5% acceptance rate. Admitted students’ GPAs range from 3.33 to 4.00.
The undergraduate program has an 87% acceptance rate, with about 20,000 students competing for spots. This higher acceptance rate gives students a pathway into the more selective graduate program.
The PhD program takes applications on a rolling basis. Students who want funding consideration must apply by January 15th for fall semester. Doctoral candidates need both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from accredited schools.
Tuition and financial aid
Kent State’s tuition depends on where you live and which campus you choose:
Kent Campus undergraduates from Ohio pay $13,446 yearly for tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay $23,690. Regional campus students pay less at $7,606 for in-state rates.
The total yearly costs including housing, books, and other expenses come to:
- $33,380 for in-state Kent Campus students
- $43,624 for out-of-state Kent Campus students
- $17,428 for regional campus in-state students
Most students (95%) get some financial aid. The Master’s program offers limited funding – only 2 out of 95 admitted students received it. Full-time PhD students who apply by January might get funding, but it’s not guaranteed and needs yearly review.
Best for
Kent State’s speech pathology program fits perfectly for:
- Research-oriented students who want to work in innovative studies and specialized labs
- Those interested in stuttering research through the speech-language physiology lab
- Students seeking faculty mentorship in specialized research areas
- Candidates looking for federally funded research – the program has two federal research grants totaling $112,636 and one training grant of $5,000
The program gives students access to unique research in electrophysiology, psychoacoustics, autism spectrum disorders, fluency disorders, and dysphagia. Students aiming for academic or research careers will find this program’s research focus especially valuable.
Ohio University – Best for Clinical Training
Ohio University’s Department of Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences (HSLS) sets high clinical standards in speech-language pathology education. The university’s Master of Arts program in Speech-Language Pathology puts students in clinical settings from day one.
Key features
The speech-language pathology program at Ohio University stands out because of its focus on clinical practice:
- Exceptional clinical requirements – Students must complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience (25 hours in observation and 375 in direct client contact)
- Two flexible track options – Both spanning 6 semesters:
- Track A: 5 semesters of courses/practicum with 1 externship
- Track B: 4 semesters of courses/practicum with 2 externships
- On-campus clinical facility – Ohio University Therapy Associates runs the Hearing, Speech and Language Clinic that serves the community
- Early clinical exposure – Students work with clients under professional supervision from their first year
Emily, a student in the program, shares her experience: “Studying Speech Pathology at Ohio University was a transformative experience for me. The program is not only rigorous but likewise incredibly supportive. The faculty genuinely care about each student’s success, providing personalized guidance and mentorship”.
Acceptance rate and competitiveness
Ohio University welcomes qualified applicants with reasonable admission rates:
The program’s acceptance rate of 89% makes it one of the more available speech pathology programs in Ohio. Competition remains strong with 21,733 applicants vying for spots. The university maintains high academic standards in all its graduate programs.
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate tuition at Ohio University for 2025-26 depends on where you live:
Ohio residents pay $593 per credit hour ($515 instructional fee + $78 general fee), which comes to $4,803 for full-time enrollment (9-18 credits). Students from other states pay an extra $520 per credit hour in non-resident fees. This brings their total to $1,113 per credit hour or $8,998 for full-time enrollment.
Almost all students (99%) get some type of financial aid. The program cost $35,590 in 2021. Students can also access these funding options:
- Graduate stipends with 10-20 hour weekly work requirements
- Tuition scholarships
- Hourly employment opportunities
Best for
This speech pathology program works best for:
- Clinically-oriented students who want lots of hands-on experience
- Those interested in externship variety – particularly through Track B’s two full-time externship experiences
- Students valuing faculty mentorship – with individual guidance throughout their studies
- Budget-conscious students – thanks to high financial aid rates and reasonable in-state tuition
The program prepares students well for clinical practice in a variety of settings. Students benefit from supportive faculty and a complete curriculum that meets all ASHA certification requirements.
Case Western Reserve University – Best for Medical Placements
Case Western Reserve University stands out with its strong medical focus and strategic location in Cleveland’s medical hub. This private institution has a rich history of excellence in medicine. Since 1907, 17 Nobel laureates have graduated from or taught at the school, including 8 in medicine.
Key features
The speech pathology program at Case Western gives students interested in medical settings several unique advantages:
- Interprofessional education approach – Students interact with medical, dental, nursing, social work, physician assistant and nutrition students on the Health Education Campus shared with Cleveland Clinic
- Strategic location in University Circle, a 550-acre, park-like hub of over 40 educational, scientific, medical, artistic, and cultural institutions
- Co-location at Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center gives direct access to ground cases, tools, and techniques
- Unique coursework in neurogenic communication disorders and in adult and pediatric dysphagia
- Dual advisor system pairs students with academic/clinical and research advisors to create personalized study plans
The program focuses on developing clinician researchers who demonstrate integrity and high ethical standards, preparing them for advanced medical placements.
Acceptance rate and competitiveness
Case Western maintains selective yet available admissions:
A recent admissions cycle saw 13 acceptances from 83 applicants (16% acceptance rate), and 9 students ended up enrolling. The broader university shows a higher 30% acceptance rate according to some sources.
Students must submit GRE scores, a statement of objectives, curriculum vitae, 3 recommendation letters, and complete an interview. International students need TOEFL scores (minimum 577 paper/90 IBT) or IELTS scores (minimum 7.0).
Tuition and financial aid
Case Western provides substantial financial support along with its medical focus:
The Master’s program total cost ranges between $61,384 and $72,214, with yearly tuition at $47,958. About 85% of students get some type of financial aid.
Students can access health care benefits, graduate assistantships, and tuition waivers. FAFSA applications for financial aid must be submitted by January 15.
Best for
This program fits students who want:
- Medical setting preparation – Perfect environment to build healthcare careers
- Interprofessional collaboration – Direct experience with healthcare teams
- Research-informed clinical practice – Strong foundation in evidence-based approaches
- Cleveland-area opportunities – Rich externship options throughout Greater Cleveland
Bowling Green State University – Best Value Program
Bowling Green State University offers amazing value to future speech-language pathologists. Students get affordable education and great career prospects. The Master of Science in Communication Disorders with a specialization in Speech-Language Pathology has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
Key features
The two-year program runs for four academic semesters plus a full-time externship semester. Students get hands-on experience through:
- Clinical placements at the university’s speech and hearing clinic
- Practicum sites all over northwest Ohio
- A solid 12-18 hour semester workload that covers scientific foundations and clinical practice
BGSU graduates have shown amazing results, with over 95% finding jobs in the last decade. The program gets you ready for Ohio licensure and meets all ASHA’s Clinical Competence requirements.
Acceptance rate and competitiveness
BGSU has an open admissions policy with a 79% acceptance rate. You’ll need:
- 0 overall GPA minimum
- 2 GPA minimum in your major
Tuition and financial aid
Ohio residents pay $14,482 yearly for tuition and fees. They should budget another $14,190 for housing, food, books, and other costs. Non-residents pay an extra $7,990.
Here’s what makes BGSU special: 98% of students get some type of financial aid. First-year students receive $10,340 on average in need-based scholarships or grants. This makes the program much cheaper than similar ones.
Best for
BGSU’s speech pathology program works best for:
- Students who want great value without cutting corners on quality
- Those excited about hands-on clinical work from day one
- Future professionals aiming for Ohio state license or school positions
- Students looking for strong job prospects – U.S. News & World Report puts SLP in the top 25 best jobs nationwide, with high satisfaction scores and growth potential
The program strikes the right balance between cost and quality preparation. Graduates find success in healthcare, education, and private practice.
Miami University – Best Undergraduate to Graduate Pathway
Miami University offers a clear path from undergraduate studies to professional certification in speech-language pathology. Students can complete their academic experience at one institution, which makes Miami an excellent choice.
Key features
The Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology gets you ready for graduate studies in the field. The master’s program takes 25 students each year and shows remarkable results:
- 100% Praxis examination pass rate in the last three years
- 100% employment rate for graduates within one year
- 100% program completion rate
Students complete the graduate program in 21 months through full-time, in-person study. You can choose between a Master of Science (non-thesis) or Master of Arts (thesis) degree.
Acceptance rate and competitiveness
The undergraduate program has an 89% acceptance rate even with nearly 30,000 applications. Miami’s graduate admission looks for:
- Overall GPA of 3.3 or higher
- CSD-specific GPA of 3.4 or higher
Tuition and financial aid
Ohio residents pay about $17,413 in annual graduate tuition. Non-resident costs are approximately $39,295. The program helps 94% of students get financial aid, and more than half of graduate students receive assistantships for at least one year.
Best for
The program works best for students who want:
- A smooth transition from undergraduate to graduate studies
- Rich clinical experiences in medical, pediatric, and school settings
- High success rates on certification exams
Cleveland State University – Best Urban Campus Experience
Cleveland State University’s downtown setting gives speech-language pathology students a unique city learning experience. The ASHA-accredited program blends urban advantages with complete clinical preparation.
Key features
The Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders at CSU stands out because it offers:
- Five consecutive semesters of full-time study (fall, spring, summer first year; fall and spring second year)
- A state-of-the-art Speech and Hearing Clinic on campus that provides hands-on clinical experience
- Clinical partnerships with many hospitals, clinics, and schools throughout Greater Cleveland
- Both residential and fully online program options
Acceptance rate and competitiveness
The speech pathology program at CSU is highly selective. Hundreds of applicants compete for limited spots each year. Each incoming class usually has about 35 students. The university accepts roughly 31% of applicants.
Tuition and financial aid
The program’s total tuition costs between $29,052 and $30,123. A remarkable 94% of students get some form of financial aid. Students can apply for graduate assistantships during their first year, though spots are limited.
Best for
CSU’s program is ideal for students who want:
- Clinical experiences in various urban healthcare settings
- Placement opportunities at Metro Hospital, Cleveland VA Medical Center, and United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland
- Early clinical experience both on campus and at external sites starting first semester
Pick an Ohio SLP Program Today
Picking the right speech pathology program is a significant first step to become a successful speech-language pathologist. Ohio stands out as an exceptional state to study, with 12 ASHA-accredited universities that offer different program structures and specializations.
These universities each bring something special to the table. Ohio State University gives complete preparation in all practice areas, while the University of Cincinnati’s online format offers great flexibility. On top of that, Case Western Reserve excels at medical setting preparation, and Bowling Green State University delivers remarkable value without cutting corners on quality.
The numbers speak for themselves. These programs have completion rates above 95%, stellar Praxis examination results, and their graduates find jobs quickly – 97% are employed within a year after graduation. The future looks bright with plenty of job opportunities in schools, hospitals, and private practices all over Ohio.
Your ideal program choice depends on several factors. Think over the program structure (online, hybrid, or in-person), clinical opportunities, research involvement, location, cost, and your career goals. To cite an instance, see Case Western’s prime spot in Cleveland’s healthcare hub – perfect if you’re interested in medical settings. If cost is your top priority, Bowling Green’s excellent value and high financial aid rates might be your best bet.
Whatever program you pick, Ohio’s speech pathology programs will give you the knowledge, clinical experience, and professional connections you need to succeed. You’ll be ready not just for certification and licensure, but to make real differences in your future clients’ lives. The best program for you arranges with your situation, priorities, and career dreams.