Compare tuition, outcomes, and admissions for every accredited Virginia SLP program — plus licensure steps and salary data.
Virginia's seven accredited slp programs span public flagships, regional universities, and private institutions, with annual in-state tuition ranging from roughly $7,800 at Longwood University to over $26,700 at Shenandoah University. That spread matters. Most programs take two years to complete, yet the total debt a graduate carries can vary by tens of thousands of dollars depending on the school, even before factoring in campus versus hybrid delivery.
The real tension for prospective students is balancing cost against clinical depth, format flexibility, and post-graduation earning power in a state where the median SLP salary already exceeds the national figure. Some programs have dropped the GRE entirely; others still require it or substitute situational judgment tests. If you are exploring programs with more flexible admissions criteria, our guide to slp graduate programs high acceptance rates is worth a look. Virginia's licensure process adds its own layer of complexity, requiring both a state clinical license and a separate credential for school-based practice.
Virginia is home to seven accredited speech-language pathology master's programs, each offering a distinct blend of clinical training, tuition value, and professional preparation. Whether you are drawn to a flagship research university, a hybrid format that lets you finish coursework remotely, or a smaller program with intensive faculty mentorship, the profiles below will help you compare what matters most. Program-level post-graduation earnings are not yet available for these schools, so we have included institution-wide median earnings at ten years after enrollment to give you a broader financial picture.
Charlottesville, VA · $22,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Career changers seeking a research flagship
The University of Virginia pairs a highly selective admissions process with one of the strongest institution-wide graduation rates in the state at 95.6%. Its M.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers two curriculum tracks, one for students with an undergraduate CSD background and another for career changers, both anchored by hands-on clinical training at the Sheila C. Johnson Center. With a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, a 98% retention rate, and institution-wide median earnings of $86,863 at ten years, UVA graduates are well positioned for long-term career success.
Harrisonburg, VA · $23,000/yr
Best for: Working professionals wanting hybrid flexibility
James Madison University stands out for its format flexibility, offering campus, hybrid, and fully online paths to the same M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. The five-semester hybrid track starts with three on-campus semesters and finishes with two asynchronous online semesters, while a separate online option serves students who need even greater flexibility. JMU reports a 100% Praxis pass rate and a 100% employment rate for its graduates, backed by an institution-wide graduation rate of 79.7% and median earnings of $69,954 at ten years.
Farmville, VA · $19,000/yr
Best for: Budget-minded students valuing small cohorts
Longwood University delivers one of Virginia's most affordable SLP options, with in-state tuition of $7,758 and a notably small 1:6 faculty-to-student ratio within its CSD program. The 52-credit-hour curriculum covers pediatric and adult populations and includes a thesis or portfolio capstone option, along with telepractice opportunities. Longwood reports a 98.5% Praxis II pass rate, and its net price of $19,066 makes it an attractive value choice for Virginia residents.
Winchester, VA · $30,000/yr (net price)
Shenandoah University is a private institution in Winchester that offers a 60-credit-hour M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology through a hybrid delivery model, with roughly 75% of coursework in person and 25% online. Students accumulate at least 400 supervised clinical hours across multiple settings, including a Loudoun campus option. Tuition is $625 per credit for the 2026-2027 year, and a rolling admissions process paired with holistic application review can benefit applicants with varied academic backgrounds. The institution-wide graduation rate is 66.8%, and median earnings reach $58,433 at ten years.
Radford, VA · $15,000/yr (net price)
Radford University's M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders offers both two-year and three-year tracks, making it a practical choice for students who may need a more gradual course load. The program does not require the GRE and boasts a 100% Praxis pass rate and 100% employment rate for recent graduates. Students complete 375 or more clinical hours, beginning with on-campus clinic work before moving to externships at over 190 partner sites nationwide. In-state tuition of $13,762 and a net price of $14,578 add strong financial appeal.
Hampton, VA · $25,000 – $30,000/yr
Hampton University, a historically Black university in Hampton, Virginia, offers a 49-credit-hour M.A. in Communicative Sciences and Disorders with a specialization in Speech-Language Pathology. The campus-based, residential program is CAA accredited and prepares graduates for licensure in all 50 states. With small class sizes, a GRE waiver option, and a strong focus on clinical assessment and treatment across communication disorders, Hampton provides a supportive and culturally rich environment. The institution posts a 57.2% graduation rate and $59,159 in median earnings at ten years.
Norfolk, VA · $13,000 – $34,000/yr
Old Dominion University in Norfolk offers a 53-credit-hour M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology that blends rigorous academics with substantial clinical training. Students complete on-campus practica followed by two off-campus externships in medical and educational settings, and the program reports a 100% graduate employment rate. ODU does not require the GRE, and its in-state tuition of $15,390 combined with a net price of $14,638 makes it one of the more affordable options in the Hampton Roads region. Institution-wide median earnings reach $54,914 at ten years.
Understanding the true cost of a speech pathology program goes beyond sticker price. The table below compares in-state tuition, out-of-state tuition, institution-wide average net price, and median graduate debt across all seven Virginia SLP programs. The spread is significant: in-state tuition ranges from $7,758 at Longwood University to $26,722 at Shenandoah University, a difference of nearly $19,000 per year. Note that net price figures reflect an institution-wide average for all undergraduate and graduate students receiving financial aid, so your actual graduate-level costs may differ. Program-level debt repayment data, such as median 10-year monthly payments, is not yet available for these speech pathology programs specifically.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (Institution Avg.) | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longwood University | $7,758 | $19,944 | $19,066 | $25,000 |
| James Madison University | $13,464 | $30,984 | $23,322 | $20,093 |
| Radford University | $13,762 | $23,525 | $14,578 | $24,000 |
| Hampton University | $13,776 | $13,776 | $25,319 | $25,442 |
| Old Dominion University | $15,390 | $36,174 | $14,638 | $24,000 |
| University of Virginia | $23,526 | $37,628 | $21,565 | $17,500 |
| Shenandoah University | $26,722 | $26,722 | $30,298 | $25,000 |
Program-level post-graduation earnings, employment shares, and completion counts for Virginia's speech pathology master's programs are not yet available through federal reporting. While institution-wide median earnings ten years after enrollment range from roughly $52,000 at Longwood University to nearly $87,000 at the University of Virginia, these figures reflect all graduates across every field of study, not SLP completers specifically. As program-level outcome data becomes available, speechpathology.org will update this section with school-by-school comparisons of first-year and fourth-year post-graduation earnings, employment rates, and cohort sizes so you can gauge both career return and data reliability.
Getting into a speech-language pathology master's program in Virginia requires thoughtful preparation, from completing the right prerequisite courses to meeting GPA thresholds. Requirements vary by school, so understanding the landscape early gives you a significant advantage when application season arrives. For a broader look at what to expect, our guide on SLP prerequisites for graduate school covers the most common requirements across the country.
Virginia SLP programs generally expect applicants to arrive with a foundation in the sciences and communication disorders. Common prerequisite categories include:
Beyond these core areas, most programs also expect coursework in phonetics, audiology, speech and language development, and speech science. James Madison University, for instance, requires that all prerequisite courses be completed with a minimum grade of C. Shenandoah University sets its prerequisite grade floor at B.4 The University of Virginia specifies that MOOC (massively open online course) coursework is not accepted for prerequisite fulfillment, so be sure to check each program's policies before enrolling in any alternative-format classes.1
If you are wondering what GPA you need for a Virginia SLP program, minimums range from roughly 2.80 to 3.25, though competitive applicants typically present a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Here is a snapshot of stated minimums at several programs:
Keep in mind that meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission. Programs with limited cohort sizes often fill seats with candidates well above the published floor. If your overall GPA falls on the lower end, strong letters of recommendation, relevant clinical experience, and a compelling personal statement can help. Our guide on how to get into slp grad school offers more strategies for strengthening a borderline application.
The post-pandemic shift toward test-optional admissions has reached many Virginia SLP programs. James Madison University does not require the GRE for its master's program.5 Several other programs across the state have similarly relaxed their standardized testing expectations, though policies can change from cycle to cycle. Before assuming a program is test-optional, verify the latest requirements directly through the program's admissions page or CSDCAS listing.
The University of Virginia's SLP program is among the most searched in the state, and many prospective students want to know its acceptance rate. UVA does not appear to publish a program-specific acceptance rate for its Communication Sciences and Disorders M.Ed. program. That said, the program is known for being selective given its small cohort size and strong clinical reputation. If you are targeting UVA, aim to exceed minimum requirements and apply early.
Application timelines vary, but many Virginia programs use CSDCAS (the centralized application service for communication sciences and disorders). A few deadlines to keep on your radar:
For the upcoming 2026-2027 admissions cycle, specific deadlines may not yet be posted at every institution. Programs typically publish updated timelines in late summer or early fall of the prior year. Setting a calendar reminder to check each program's page around August or September is a simple way to stay ahead of the process.
Gathering prerequisite coursework, strengthening your GPA, and confirming each program's testing and deadline requirements well in advance will put you in the strongest possible position. When in doubt, reach out directly to the admissions coordinator at your target programs. They are often happy to clarify requirements or suggest ways to strengthen your application.
Can you earn an SLP degree online in Virginia? The short answer is yes, though your options are limited and the path looks a little different from a traditional on-campus experience. Fully online ASHA-accredited speech pathology masters degree programs are uncommon nationwide because the profession requires hundreds of supervised clinical hours with real clients. That said, Virginia does offer flexible formats worth exploring.
James Madison University stands out as the only Virginia school currently offering both a primarily online and a hybrid SLP master's program, and both hold accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).1
Shenandoah University in Winchester also uses a hybrid delivery format for its MS in Speech-Language Pathology. The program is predominantly in-person, with roughly 25% of coursework delivered online. It requires 60 credit hours, includes 400 clinical practicum hours, and holds CAA candidacy accreditation. If you want a program that blends some online convenience with a strong on-campus clinical foundation, Shenandoah is worth a closer look.
Regardless of how coursework is delivered, every SLP master's program must provide extensive supervised clinical experiences. Hybrid and online programs typically partner with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and private practices near where students live. JMU's online program, for instance, coordinates clinical placements across Virginia so students can complete required hours without relocating to Harrisonburg.2 This model lets you study from home while still gaining the face-to-face client experience that ASHA certification and Virginia licensure require.
If the in-state options do not align with your timeline or preferences, several well-known out-of-state programs accept Virginia residents and arrange clinical placements within the state. Programs from universities such as New York University, Emerson College, and the University of the Pacific are frequently considered by Virginia students seeking CAA-accredited online SLP degrees. Before enrolling in any out-of-state program, confirm that it holds CAA accreditation and can secure supervised placements in Virginia, as both are necessary for licensure eligibility.
Whether you choose an in-state hybrid program or an out-of-state online option, one rule applies across the board: ASHA's Council on Academic Accreditation must accredit the program for you to qualify for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) and a Virginia speech pathology license. Always verify a program's CAA status before applying. You can search accredited programs directly through ASHA's online directory to make sure any program you are considering meets this critical requirement.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for speech-language pathologists will grow by 15% from 2024 to 2034, a rate much faster than the average for all occupations. This surge is driven largely by an aging population and greater awareness of speech and language disorders across all age groups.
Becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in Virginia requires a clear sequence of academic, clinical, and credentialing milestones. The Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, operating under the Department of Health Professions (DHP), oversees clinical licensure, while the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) issues a separate license for school-based practice. If you plan to work in schools, you will need both the DHP license and a VDOE license, each of which requires ASHA CCC-SLP certification. As of 2025, Virginia is a member of the Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC), which can streamline practice across participating states.
Virginia offers competitive compensation for speech-language pathologists, with a statewide median annual wage that exceeds the national median. Salaries vary significantly by metro area, with the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. metro corridor commanding the highest pay. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects solid job growth for SLPs nationally at roughly 4% through 2033, and Virginia's strong healthcare and education sectors position the state well within that trend.
| Area | Median Annual Wage | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia (Statewide) | $96,930 | $62,610 | $131,780 | 4,560 |
| Washington, Arlington, Alexandria (DC Metro) | $102,350 | $68,200 | $137,200 | 2,650 |
| Richmond | $90,410 | $60,540 | $122,650 | 590 |
| Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News (Hampton Roads) | $84,670 | $57,930 | $117,890 | 530 |
| Roanoke | $81,240 | $55,780 | $113,520 | 190 |
| Charlottesville | $88,560 | $59,100 | $120,340 | 120 |
| United States (National) | $89,290 | $58,880 | $128,000 | 164,610 |
Virginia's median SLP salary sits well above the national average, and when you compare that earning power to the tuition at most in-state public programs, the return on investment is strong. Graduates from these programs typically recoup their educational costs within just a few years of entering the workforce. If keeping debt low is a priority, public university options in Virginia offer an especially favorable balance between affordable tuition and competitive post-graduation earnings.
Choosing a speech pathology program in Virginia involves weighing cost, accreditation, admissions requirements, and licensure steps. Below are answers to the most common questions prospective students ask about SLP programs in the state.
