Last Updated
April 16, 2025Written By
Cynthia Harris, M.S., CCC‑SLPMany excellent Speech-Language Pathology programs are available in Illinois. Some of the state’s schools, including Northwestern University, Illinois State University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, have good clinical practices and provide students with practical experience in different environments. For new graduates, Illinois has a healthy job market, particularly for Chicago’s vast medical facilities and public schools. On average, some professionals SLP salaries are between $70,000 and $85,000 and have the potential to earn more in specialization or management positions. Some of the state’s public universities, including Eastern Illinois University or Northern Illinois University, are relatively inexpensive, which is always a great thing for someone who wants to keep student loans to a minimum.
The clinical experiences in Illinois are also diverse due to the presence of urban environments in Chicago and other cities as well as rural areas in the southern and central parts of the state, allowing you to work with different patient populations. Most of the programs here will get you ready for the state’s licensing requirements like the Professional Educator License if you decide to practice in schools. If you are looking for a diverse clinical experience, reasonable tuition, and job prospects, then Illinois can be a great choice for speech pathologists.
Choosing the right SLP program in Illinois just got easier. Our rankings focus on what truly matters—outcomes, clinical training, and academic quality. speechpathology.org helps SLP students in Illinois compare the best schools. Find out how we rank them at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - depaul.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
DePaul University offers a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology. This program prepares students to diagnose and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders across all ages. It requires 26 courses and includes 400 hours of supervised clinical experience. Graduates meet requirements for ASHA certification, Illinois state licensure, and professional educator licensure for schools. Admission requires an online application, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and official transcripts. The program focuses on clinical skills, research methods, and various communication disorders. It leads to careers in schools, hospitals, clinics, and private practice. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Contact the College of Science and Health for more details.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
DePaul University offers a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology, an entry-level credential required by ASHA for professional practice. This program prepares students to work with children and adults across all communication disorders. It includes a Bilingual English-Spanish Specialization Certificate (BESSC) for Spanish speakers. The curriculum focuses on academic and clinical training for diverse settings like schools, hospitals, and clinics. Students gain skills in areas such as fluency, language, cognition, and swallowing disorders. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. It uses evidence-based practice and ethical standards. Clinical experience is provided through the DePaul Speech and Language Clinic. This program is designed for those seeking careers as speech-language pathologists.
Evanston, IL - Private 4-year - northwestern.edu
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Northwestern University offers a Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Learning, a campus-based program preparing students for careers in speech-language pathology. The two-year curriculum includes coursework and clinical experiences, with prerequisites in biological, physical, social sciences, statistics, and field-specific courses like anatomy and phonetics. Applicants can apply without completing prerequisites, but all must be finished before starting the program. Costs and admissions details are available through the university, with online prerequisite courses offered via the School of Professional Studies.
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Northwestern University offers a Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Learning, an online program designed for aspiring speech-language pathologists. This two-year program requires completion of general and field-specific prerequisites, including courses in biological sciences, statistics, and CSD topics, with grades of B- or better. Admissions do not require prerequisites upfront, and tuition details are available through the School of Professional Studies. The curriculum includes clinical experiences and prepares students for certification, with flexible online coursework accessible from various locations.
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Northwestern University's Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) program is designed for practicing clinicians seeking advanced expertise. This hybrid, part-time program combines innovative coursework with customizable clinical specialization, allowing professionals to enhance their skills without relocating. The curriculum focuses on leadership, policy, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates to impact healthcare and education significantly. Admission requires meeting specific criteria, with early and final deadlines for application. The program's cost and scholarship opportunities are detailed on the admissions page, making advanced education accessible.
Champaign, IL - Public 4-Year - illinois.edu
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The Speech-Language Pathology concentration at the University of Illinois provides comprehensive training for students pursuing careers in communication sciences. Students gain in-depth knowledge of human communication systems, focusing on speech, language, hearing, and related disorders. The rigorous curriculum prepares undergraduates for advanced graduate study and professional certification in speech-language pathology. Students learn foundational skills through a blend of theoretical coursework and practical experiences, exploring communication processes, neuroscience, and clinical interventions. The program offers a strategic pathway for those passionate about helping individuals with communication challenges across different life stages.
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The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a Master of Arts in Speech and Hearing Science with a focus on speech-language pathology. This graduate program prepares students for clinical practice or further research. It includes both clinical and non-clinical tracks. The clinical program requires at least 54 credit hours. It covers assessment and management of communication disorders. Students learn about voice disorders, dysphagia, and language development. The program meets ASHA certification requirements. It also aligns with Illinois state certification for school settings. Admission requires a bachelor's degree. Recommended background includes phonetics and anatomy. The program starts in fall only. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Courses include practicum experiences in various settings.
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The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a Master of Arts in Speech & Hearing Science with a clinical concentration in speech-language pathology. This graduate program prepares students for professional certification and licensure in speech-language pathology through comprehensive coursework and hands-on clinical practica. The clinical MA requires a minimum of 54 graduate hours, including courses in assessment and management of voice disorders, dysphagia, motor speech disorders, and language disorders across age groups. Students complete clinical rotations in medical and educational settings. The program meets ASHA certification requirements and Illinois state licensure standards. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with recommended background in phonetics, anatomy, speech science, and related areas. The program begins in fall semesters only and maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.
Charleston, IL - Public 4-Year - eiu.edu
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Eastern Illinois University's Communication Disorders and Sciences undergraduate program provides a comprehensive pre-professional pathway for aspiring speech-language pathologists and audiologists. This 120-semester-hour degree prepares students for advanced graduate studies through a rigorous, structured curriculum. Students gain practical clinical experience, including client interactions in the university's Speech Clinic during their senior year. The program emphasizes faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and comprehensive skill development to ensure graduates are well-prepared for competitive graduate programs in communication sciences.
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Eastern Illinois University offers a Master of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences with a concentration in speech-language pathology. This campus-based program requires 32 semester hours of core courses and 7 hours of advanced practicum. Students complete full-time 14-week internships in both medical and educational settings after coursework. The program emphasizes case-based teaching, mentored clinical experiences, and faculty supervision. Graduates are prepared for careers as speech-language pathologists with strong employment outcomes reported.
Edwardsville, IL - Public 4-Year - siue.edu
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Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville offers a comprehensive Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program designed to equip students with the scientific understanding of communication disorders. This program covers speech and hearing science, normal processes, development, and disorders of speech, language, and hearing, along with assessment and treatment methods. Students are encouraged to enhance their education with minors in psychology, linguistics, or health science, providing a competitive edge for graduate school and careers. The program boasts hands-on learning opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, and active student organizations like NSSLHA and NBASLH, fostering professional growth and community engagement.
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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, a campus-based program accredited by ASHA. It prepares students for clinical practice with a curriculum blending coursework, research, and hands-on practicum experiences. The program typically takes five full-time semesters to complete, with costs including tuition, clinical fees, and additional expenses like background checks. Admission requires meeting specific prerequisites, and graduates often achieve high Praxis exam pass rates and employment outcomes.
Elmhurst, IL - Private 4-year - elmhurst.edu
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Elmhurst University offers a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, preparing students for careers as speech-language pathologists. The program is on-campus, takes about 21 months to complete, and has an estimated tuition cost of $70,000. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in CSD or related field, with opportunities for scholarships and assistantships. Students gain clinical experience in various settings and can pursue a multicultural/multilingual emphasis.
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Elmhurst University offers a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a Multicultural/Multilingual Emphasis. This on-campus program prepares students for speech-language pathology careers in schools, hospitals, clinics, and private practice. The program takes 21 months to complete with an estimated tuition cost of $70,000. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in CSD, and the curriculum prepares graduates for ASHA certification and Illinois state licensure. Students gain clinical experience through the university's Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic and simulation center.
Palos Heights, IL - Private 4-year - trnty.edu
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Trinity Christian College's Speech-Language Pathology program provides a comprehensive undergraduate foundation for students passionate about communication disorders. Students gain critical skills to support children and adults with language challenges, preparing them for advanced degrees or specialized roles in healthcare and education settings. The program emphasizes compassionate, patient-centered care from a Christian perspective, positioning graduates for meaningful careers in speech therapy, clinical support, and further academic pursuits.
Romeoville, IL - Private 4-year - lewisu.edu
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Lewis University offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSSLP) program, designed for students seeking advanced clinical training. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or another field with prerequisite coursework, including anatomy, phonetics, and aural rehabilitation. Applicants need a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for full admission or 2.75 for provisional admission, plus a major GPA of 3.0 in CSD courses. The application process involves using the CSDCAS system, an interview, and a writing sample. The program prepares graduates for certification as speech-language pathologists, focusing on hands-on experience and meeting ASHA standards.
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Lewis University offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, a full-time, entry-level program completed over six consecutive semesters. The curriculum requires 73 credit hours and includes courses in neuroscience, speech sound disorders, child and adult language disorders, dysphagia, and autism. Clinical practicum experiences are integrated throughout the program. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or equivalent prerequisite coursework, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 for full admission, an interview, and a writing sample. The program is designed to prepare students for ASHA certification and professional practice in healthcare or educational settings.
Dekalb, IL - Public 4-Year - niu.edu
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Northern Illinois University offers a Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders with a specialization in speech-language pathology. This graduate program requires at least 65 semester hours and includes courses on assessment, disorders in early childhood, autism, stuttering, voice disorders, and medical aspects. Admission is competitive with a January 1 deadline for summer entry, requiring a minimum 3.00 GPA, three recommendation letters, and a personal statement. The program involves practicum and internship courses, with options for thesis or non-thesis tracks, preparing students for clinical licensure in speech-language pathology.
Rock Island, IL - Private 4-year - augustana.edu
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Augustana College offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. This campus-based program requires 84 credits with at least 42 credits earned at Augustana. Students need a minimum 3.00 GPA in program coursework. The curriculum includes clinical experiences and research opportunities. The program prepares graduates for ASHA certification. Admissions requirements include completing specific undergraduate prerequisites. Tuition costs follow the college's graduate fee structure.
Illinois students who are comparing SLP bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees typically focus on admissions, program costs, and career options. The admission requirement for a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology, which is provided by schools such as Northern Illinois University and Eastern Illinois University, is a high school diploma and good academic performance. This undergraduate degree provides a preliminary study of speech science, audiology and communication disorders. Some may choose to work as speech-language pathology assistants, enter the healthcare support field, or advance to a master’s program.
Master of Speech-Language Pathology programs at Illinois State University, or the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, may set some prerequisites; a CSD bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA, and GRE scores are not uncommon. Graduate programs are more expensive than the undergraduate programs but lead to licensure as an SLP and a rewarding salary of between $70,000 and $85,000 in Illinois, working in schools, clinics, and hospitals. Many excellent Speech Pathology programs are available in Illinois. Some of the state’s schools, including Northwestern University, Illinois State University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, have good clinical practices and provide students with practical experience in different environments.
For new graduates, Illinois has a healthy job market, particularly for Chicago’s vast medical facilities and public schools. On average, professionals receive wages between $70,000 and $85,000 and have the potential to earn more in specialization or management positions. Some of the state’s public universities, including Eastern Illinois University or Northern Illinois University, are relatively inexpensive, which is always a great thing for someone who wants to keep student loans to a minimum. The clinical sites in Illinois are also diverse — from the urban centers of Chicago to the rural areas, which provide students with diverse, hands-on learning. If you can’t find a bachelor’s or master’s program that fits your schedule, there are some schools that offer bridging or leveling courses before entering a master’s track. In general, Illinois offers a wide range of opportunities for the future speech pathologists at both the bachelor and master’s levels.
In Illinois, there are two primary SLP doctorate programs for those who want to become speech-language pathologists: The research-focused PhD and the clinically oriented SLPD (or CScD). A PhD in speech pathology is for those who wish to do advanced research, develop academic programs, or teach at the university level. Northwestern University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign among other schools typically require applicants to hold a master’s degree in SLP or a related field, have a good academic record and research interests that fit well with the faculty’s interests. The SLPD, offered as a Doctor of Clinical Science by Rush University, is for clinicians who wish to enhance their leadership, clinical expertise, or management skills. Admission is typically based on a master’s degree in speech pathology, CCC-SLP certification, and appropriate work history.
Prices are different and private universities are more expensive than public universities and some PhD candidates receive support from grants or assistantships. Many PhD graduates end up in academic or research positions and have the potential to earn six-figure salaries after several years. Some SLPD graduates may earn more than master’s level clinicians, especially in hospital administration or other selective fields. If you cannot find an in-state SLPD that fits your schedule, try online or out-of-state programs that have similar clinical and leadership tracks.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is the state regulator of SLP licensure. To practice, you must hold a master’s degree from a Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology accredited program in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology or its equivalent, and log at least 400 clinical hours. Then, you have to take the Praxis speech pathology exam and finish a Clinical Fellowship (CF) of 36 weeks full time or its part time equivalent.
After that, you can apply for state licensure. To practice in schools, you also need a Professional Educator License with SLP endorsement from the Illinois State Board of Education. The license is good for two years and needs updating with continuing education (CE) hours to remain valid. Illinois has recently set 20 contact hours of CE for each renewal cycle, but it does not hurt to check on the present rules. ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) is not a requirement to practice in Illinois, but many employers consider it so. If you hold the CCC-SLP, you must also meet ASHA’s CE requirements for the certificate to remain valid.
Even in Illinois, the fastest SLP pathways involve strong academic and clinical training, so it is important to know what each degree entails. Four years of full-time study is the typical bachelor’s program in Communication Sciences and Disorders, offered by institutions like Illinois State University or Eastern Illinois University. That is the standard entry if you are new to the field. Depending on your existing background, you may need to do additional leveling courses to be able to enter a master’s course, which will extend the time.
Most accredited master’s programs in Illinois are two years if you have the prerequisites. There are some schools that have summer starts or accelerated learning that can condense the coursework into a shorter time, but you will still have to complete 400 hours of clinical experience that must be supervised before graduating. Such combined bachelor’s-to-master’s programs in speech pathology are not common in this state, but some institutions may have early admission options for high achieving undergraduates.
The time for doctoral programs is longer, with PhD tracks in speech-language pathology being four to six years after the master’s, and clinical doctorates (SLPD) being two to three years. Thus, each step is interconnected, and thus, the key to finishing as quickly as possible is to make sure that one has the right prerequisites, as well as a good academic schedule from the beginning.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| Northwestern University |
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| Elmhurst University |
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| Lewis University |
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For those looking to become speech-language pathologists, Illinois has many affordable degrees, especially if you are attending public universities. Many state schools such as Eastern Illinois University or Northern Illinois University have relatively cheap tuition fees for residents of the state which is usually between $8,000 to $13,000 excluding other charges like accommodation and other fees. Most in-state students at places like Illinois State University or Western Illinois University pay relatively little per credit hour and the total cost of the speech pathology program is often $30,000 or less. However, the private master’s programs can be much higher than that. It is therefore important to try to find out if there are any scholarships or graduate assistantships that are available to help lessen the burden of the charges, and thus when choosing a program, it is important to consider this. In the case of PhD, a number of Illinois universities have funded positions with stipends for a large number of research focused students, which will greatly reduce tuition fees. However, a clinical doctorate (SLPD) may offer fewer funding options, but it provides advanced practice expertise that can increase the returns. No matter what you decide to do, it is very important to compare not only the tuition costs, but also other fees, textbooks costs and the living expenses. Thus, there are several economical SLP degrees in Illinois if you know how to prepare for them.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville |
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| Saint Xavier University |
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| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale |
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