Compare accredited Kansas SLP programs by cost, outcomes, and ROI — plus a step-by-step licensure guide.
Kansas employs roughly 1,820 speech-language pathologists, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% national job growth for the profession through 2034. Yet the state has just three accredited SLP master's programs, all at public universities, with graduate tuition starting as low as $4,949 per year for in-state students at Fort Hays State University. That limited supply of seats means admissions can be competitive even at schools with high overall acceptance rates. For students exploring cost-effective options, Kansas ranks among the most affordable speech pathology degree programs in the country.
For clinicians weighing relocation or multistate practice, Kansas is a member of the ASLP Interstate Compact, allowing licensed SLPs to practice across participating states without obtaining a separate license in each one. It is a meaningful advantage in a field where school districts and healthcare systems routinely recruit across state lines.
Kansas is home to three accredited master's programs in speech-language pathology, all housed at public universities. That means in-state residents benefit from lower tuition, and even out-of-state students will find costs well below the national average for comparable programs. Below, we rank each school based on institutional outcomes, affordability, and program value so you can make a confident, data-driven choice.
Lawrence, KS · $12,000 – $30,000/yr
Best for: Research-oriented students seeking top ROI
The University of Kansas in Lawrence is the state's flagship research institution, offering both a traditional and an accelerated path to a master's in speech-language pathology. With a school-wide graduation rate of 68.8% and median earnings of roughly $61,945 ten years after enrollment, KU delivers the strongest return on investment among Kansas SLP programs (ROI ratio of approximately 2.95). In-state tuition runs about $11,971, while out-of-state students can expect around $27,146, placing the net price near $18,059 after aid.
Wichita, KS · $13,000/yr
Best for: Budget-conscious students in the Wichita metro
Wichita State University sits in the state's largest city and offers a 57-credit-hour Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a speech-language pathology concentration. The school offering this program has a graduation rate of 51%, and median graduate debt comes in at about $20,500, one of the lowest figures among the three Kansas options. In-state tuition of roughly $7,986 and a net price near $13,194 make WSU an appealing choice for budget-conscious students, particularly those already in the Wichita metro area.
Hays, KS · ~$13,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Rural practitioners valuing small class sizes
Fort Hays State University, located in western Kansas, offers the most affordable in-state tuition of any SLP program in the state at roughly $4,949 per year, with a net price near $12,569. The 54-credit-hour Master of Science prepares students for both ASHA certification and Kansas licensure through healthcare, educational, and medical externships. The school offering this program has a graduation rate of 47.7%, and its smaller 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports more individualized mentorship during clinical training.
The table below compares the three accredited SLP master's programs in Kansas on key cost and outcome metrics. All tuition figures reflect published institutional rates, and median debt and earnings data are institution-wide averages reported by federal sources. Keep in mind that net price is an institution-wide average; your actual costs will vary based on financial aid, residency status, and program-specific fees. Program-level earnings after graduation are not yet available for these programs, so the 10-year median earnings shown reflect all graduates of each university.
| University | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price | Median Debt at Graduation | 10-Year Median Earnings | ROI Ratio (Earnings to Debt) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Hays State University | $4,949 | $12,745 | $12,569 | $21,000 | $48,928 | 2.33 |
| Wichita State University | $7,986 | $16,873 | $13,194 | $20,500 | $51,532 | 2.51 |
| University of Kansas | $11,971 | $27,146 | $18,059 | $21,000 | $61,945 | 2.95 |
If you are hoping to earn your master's in speech-language pathology through an online or hybrid format while living in Kansas, there is an important reality to consider: all three accredited SLP programs currently offered within the state are campus-based. The University of Kansas, Wichita State University, and Fort Hays State University each deliver their master's programs through traditional on-campus instruction. That means Kansas residents who need the flexibility of distance learning will need to look beyond state lines.
Several well-regarded universities across the country offer online speech pathology programs that accept Kansas residents. Schools such as NYU, the University of Northern Colorado, Baylor University, and Emerson College are among those frequently considered. Before enrolling, keep a few things in mind:
This is one of the most common questions prospective students ask, and the answer is straightforward. As long as an online or hybrid program holds accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), it meets the same educational standards as any campus-based program. Graduates of CAA-accredited SLP programs are fully eligible for ASHA certification and Kansas state licensure, with no distinction made based on delivery format.
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) requires that your degree come from a CAA-accredited program, regardless of whether it was completed online or on campus. So the credential itself is equivalent. What may differ is your day-to-day experience: the networking, mentoring, and hands-on clinic culture that campus programs naturally foster.
If you decide that an online or hybrid format is the right fit, approach your search strategically:
Online SLP education has expanded considerably in recent years, giving Kansas students viable paths to the profession even without relocating. The key is making sure your chosen program checks every accreditation and licensure box before you commit.
Becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in Kansas requires a combination of graduate education, supervised clinical experience, and a national exam. Here is the step-by-step pathway from your undergraduate degree to full professional practice.
Kansas speech-language pathologists are licensed through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). Whether you are a recent graduate starting your Clinical Fellowship or an experienced clinician relocating to the Sunflower State, understanding the application process, compact privileges, and renewal timelines will help you avoid delays and start practicing sooner.
KDADS issues two license types for speech-language pathologists: a temporary license for clinicians completing their Clinical Fellowship (CF) and a permanent license for those who have finished all supervised experience requirements.
To apply, you will need to submit the following through the KDADS online portal:
CF candidates must also provide documentation of their supervisory arrangement. A temporary license holder works under the direct oversight of a fully licensed SLP until all Clinical Fellowship requirements are satisfied. Once your CF is complete, you can convert to a permanent license by submitting verification of your supervised experience along with the permanent license fee. For a broader look at how Kansas compares to other states, see our SLP license requirements by state overview.
Kansas is a participating state in the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC), a multistate agreement that now includes more than 40 member states. The compact allows eligible Kansas SLPs to obtain a "compact privilege" to practice in other participating states without applying for a separate license in each one.
To enroll, you must hold an active, unencumbered Kansas SLP license and a passing Praxis score of at least 162. The initial compact fee is $100, with an annual renewal fee of $50. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. Keep in mind that a compact privilege is not the same as full licensure in another state. It grants you the legal authority to practice in participating states, but each state retains its own SLP scope of practice rules and regulatory oversight. If you plan to establish a permanent practice in another state, you may still want to pursue that state's full license.
Kansas SLP licenses renew annually. The renewal window opens on September 15 and closes on October 31 each year. A late renewal period runs from November 1 through November 30, though late submissions may incur additional fees. Renewals are handled through the KDADS online renewal portal, where you can verify your license status, pay fees, and confirm your continuing education compliance.
If you are relocating from a state that does not participate in the ASLP-IC, you will need to apply for a Kansas license directly through KDADS. The process mirrors the standard application: submit your transcripts, Praxis score verification, proof of current or prior licensure, and the appropriate fee. KDADS may also request a letter of good standing from your previous licensing board. Plan for the standard four-to-six-week processing window, and consider applying well before your anticipated start date so you can begin practicing without a gap.
Many clinicians also pursue the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) through ASHA, which can streamline license verification across states. The ASHA certification application fee for non-members is currently $446.2
Whether you are launching your career or expanding your practice footprint, staying on top of these licensure details keeps you compliant and ready to serve Kansas communities.
Maintaining your Kansas SLP license means staying current with continuing education (CE) requirements set by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). Here is what you need to know to stay compliant and keep your credential active.
Kansas SLPs must complete 20 hours of continuing education during each biennial renewal cycle, which ends on October 31.1 If you hold dual licensure in both speech-language pathology and audiology, the requirement increases to 30 hours per cycle. All 20 hours (or 30, for dual licensees) may be completed through online activities, giving you considerable flexibility in how you fulfill the requirement.
Notably, Kansas does not mandate any specific CE topics such as ethics.1 While pursuing ethics-related coursework is always a wise professional practice, KDADS does not carve out a separate hour requirement for it.
KDADS accepts a broad range of CE activities. Qualifying formats include:
ASHA Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are widely accepted and often the most straightforward way to document your hours. Approved online providers such as Medbridge and Summit Professional Education offer extensive catalogs of courses tailored to SLPs, making it easy to fulfill your hours on your own schedule. For a broader look at how CE and licensing rules compare across states, see our SLP state licensing overview.
Many Kansas SLPs hold both a KDADS clinical license and a Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) school credential. If you fall into this category, you may be wondering whether one set of CE hours can satisfy both agencies. While KDADS and KSDE operate independently and each set their own renewal standards, CE activities that are relevant to your scope of practice in speech-language pathology can often be applied toward both credentials. That said, you should verify the specific requirements with each agency before assuming overlap, since acceptable topics, documentation formats, and renewal timelines may differ.
With a two-year window and the option to complete all hours online, Kansas makes it relatively manageable to stay in compliance. The key is not to wait until the last few weeks before October 31 to begin. Spreading your CE hours across the renewal cycle helps you absorb new clinical knowledge more effectively, and it reduces the stress of a last-minute scramble. Keep thorough records of certificates and transcripts, as KDADS may request documentation during an audit.
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 average for all occupations. This strong demand means Kansas SLP graduates can expect a favorable job market with plenty of opportunities across schools, hospitals, and private practices statewide.
Kansas offers a favorable employment landscape for speech-language pathologists, with a higher-than-average concentration of SLP jobs relative to the state's workforce size. According to May 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 1,820 SLPs were employed statewide, earning a mean annual wage of roughly $79,240 (about $38.10 per hour).1 That concentration of SLP employment runs about 35% above the national average, which suggests steady demand across health care, education, and community settings.
The national median annual wage for speech-language pathologists was approximately $84,140 in May 2022. Kansas's mean wage of around $79,240 falls somewhat below that benchmark, which is consistent with the state's generally lower cost of living. For a broader look at compensation trends across settings and experience levels, see our guide to speech language pathologist salary. Neighboring states show a similar pattern: Missouri and Nebraska report comparable SLP wages, while speech pathology programs in Colorado and the state's job market tend to trend higher, partly reflecting urban cost of living along the Front Range. For clinicians weighing a move, the gap between Kansas wages and national figures often narrows or disappears once housing and everyday expenses are factored in.
Wages for Kansas SLPs vary meaningfully depending on where you practice.
Across the country, SLPs working in skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and hospitals typically earn more than their counterparts in public schools. Kansas follows this general trend. Hospital-based positions and outpatient rehabilitation centers in metro areas tend to sit at the higher end of the pay scale, while school-based roles often offer trade-offs like summers off, pension plans, and predictable schedules. For a detailed breakdown of how setting affects compensation and day-to-day work, explore our comparison of SLP career settings. Private practice income varies widely and depends on caseload volume, payer mix, and geographic location.
Program-level earnings data for SLP graduates from Kansas universities are not yet available through federal reporting channels, so a direct comparison between what graduates actually earn and BLS occupation-level figures is not possible at this time. That said, institution-wide median earnings ten years after enrollment offer some context. The University of Kansas reports an institution-wide median around $61,945, Wichita State University around $51,532, and Fort Hays State University around $48,928. These figures reflect all graduates across every major, not just SLP completers, so they should not be read as projections of what an SLP master's graduate will earn. Given that SLP is a specialized, licensed profession with wages well above many bachelor's-level fields, SLP graduates from these programs can reasonably expect to earn at or above the statewide mean of $79,240 once they are fully licensed and established in their careers.
If you are evaluating the return on your SLP education, keep in mind that Kansas programs tend to carry lower tuition than many out-of-state alternatives, which can make even a modest salary go further when student debt is part of the equation.
SLP salaries in Kansas vary significantly by location. Metro areas near the Kansas City border tend to offer higher compensation, while nonmetropolitan regions fall below both the state and national medians. Here is how median annual wages compare across key Kansas areas.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective students and practicing clinicians ask about speech-language pathology programs, licensure, and careers in Kansas. For deeper detail on any topic, explore the sections above or browse additional resources on speechpathology.org.
