Last Updated
April 14, 2025Written By
Cynthia Harris, M.S., CCC‑SLPPursuing a degree in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) in Indiana is great, because the state has accredited programs, a strong job market, and above average salaries. Some of the top in-state universities which include Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana University Bloomington and Ball State University have very high rates of passing the Praxis examination and excellent job placement. These programs are usually two years in length and involve classroom learning combined with clinical fieldwork. The state’s young programs, including those at IU South Bend and Purdue Fort Wayne, have recently achieved candidacy for accreditation, therefore the opportunities are only increasing.
In addition to the quality of education, the speech pathology market in Indiana is thriving. The need increases in schools, clinics, and hospitals owing to an aging population and more emphasis on early intervention. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development estimates that the number of SLP jobs will rise by more than 20% which is great news for the future job stability. Salaries are also nice. The median annual salary for SLPs in Indiana is $80,000-$85,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is a very good salary for this area. Along with good networking through the Indiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association, relatively affordable in-state tuition and increasing clinical fellowship positions, Indiana is a great place to be a SLPA or a Speech Pathologist.
Explore the top-rated speech-language pathology programs in Indiana with our curated rankings. Whether you’re just starting or ready for the next step, speechpathology.org showcases the best speech-language pathology schools in Indiana for aspiring professionals. Discover how programs are selected at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Bloomington, IN - Public 4-Year - indiana.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Indiana University-Bloomington's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is a two-year hybrid program accredited by CAA, preparing students for nationwide clinical practice. It requires four semesters of clinical practicum across diverse settings, including university clinics and off-campus sites. Graduates are eligible for ASHA certification and licensure in all 50 states. The program offers a Bilingual Track and is military-friendly. An entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
Concentration: Bilingual Track (Spanish-English) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Indiana University-Bloomington's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology with a Bilingual Track (Spanish-English) focuses on training clinicians for bilingual populations. This two-year hybrid program includes extensive clinical practicum in Bloomington and Indianapolis, leading to eligibility for certification and licensure across all states. It features weekly clinical seminars and flexibility for non-SLP undergraduates. As a master's program, it requires an entrance exam and is military-friendly.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Indiana University-Bloomington's Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology integrates clinical and research training, enabling eligibility for ASHA certification in a streamlined path. Applicants must align research interests with faculty expertise and identify a mentor. The campus-based program emphasizes developing competence in both clinical practice and research, preparing graduates for advanced roles. An entrance exam is required for this doctorate level program, and it is military-friendly.
West Lafayette, IN - Public 4-Year - purdue.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Purdue University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, ranked #2 nationally, is a two-year campus program in West Lafayette, IN, that prepares students to diagnose and treat communication disorders across all age groups. The ASHA-accredited curriculum combines rigorous coursework with extensive clinical training through supervised practicum, meeting certification and licensure requirements. Students gain hands-on experience in diverse healthcare and educational settings, with multiple research opportunities available. The program does not require an entrance exam, focusing instead on comprehensive clinical education and research labs to equip graduates for professional practice.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Purdue University's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, ranked No. 2 by U.S. News & World Report, offers a campus-based program in West Lafayette, IN, designed to meet all academic, clinical certification, licensure, and credentialing requirements. This two-year program provides hands-on clinical experiences in the M.D. Steer Clinics, addressing communication and swallowing disorders across all ages, with a strong emphasis on high-quality clinical education and diverse research areas. Accredited by CAA, it includes comprehensive coursework and faculty with extensive experience, preparing graduates for significant impact in the field. No entrance exam is required for admission.
Muncie, IN - Public 4-Year - bsu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ball State University's Speech Pathology and Audiology undergraduate program offers a pre-professional foundation with 67 major credits, accredited by CAA. It provides hands-on clinical experience in an on-site audiology clinic, covering speech sounds, acoustics, phonology, and anatomy. Students learn to address communication disorders across age groups, preparing for graduate studies or careers in high-growth fields. As a bachelor's program, it requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ball State University's Master of Arts in Speech Pathology is a 56-credit, CAA-accredited program that prepares students for ASHA certification and professional practice. It emphasizes clinical training through practicums and internships, covering child language development, speech disorders, neurogenic conditions, and professional issues. Graduates are equipped for roles in healthcare, education, and rehabilitation. This master's program requires an entrance exam, such as the GRE, for admission.
Angola, IN - Private 4-year - trine.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Trine University's Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology is a 53-credit campus program focused on developing clinical expertise in communication disorders. Students gain comprehensive training in evidence-based assessment and treatment methods for diverse populations, with emphasis on swallowing impairments. The program includes multiple practicum experiences and a culminating externship to build hands-on skills across various healthcare and educational settings. As a CAA Candidate program, it integrates professional ethics and research methods to prepare graduates for leadership roles. An entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
Notre Dame, IN - Private 4-year - saintmarys.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Mary's College provides a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Language Pathology, a campus-based program requiring 42-43 credit hours with coursework in anatomy, language development, and clinical methods. Students engage in clinical practicums and observational training, building a foundation for graduate studies or certification. Electives in communication disorders and advanced writing proficiency are included. This bachelor's program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Mary's College offers a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology, a CAA-accredited two-year campus program with a 4+1 accelerated option and SLP Bridge Program. Students gain hands-on experience at the on-campus Judd Leighton Clinic and diverse clinical settings, supported by NSSLHA chapter and career counseling. This program prepares graduates for a growing field with average starting salaries around $64,000 and 21% job market growth. An entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
South Bend, IN - Public 4-Year - iusb.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Indiana University-South Bend's undergraduate Speech Language Pathology program prepares students for a dynamic healthcare career focused on communication disorders. This campus-based program provides comprehensive knowledge of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing development and challenges. Students develop skills suitable for graduate school preparation or immediate employment as Speech Language Pathology Assistants. The program emphasizes preparation for diverse healthcare settings including special education, autism centers, and early childhood intervention. As a bachelor's level program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission. Military-friendly institution with excellent job satisfaction potential in this high-demand field.
Fort Wayne, IN - Public 4-Year - pfw.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Purdue University Fort Wayne offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, preparing students for clinical roles across diverse settings like birth-to-three centers and hospitals. The program emphasizes advanced skills in addressing complex communication disorders through rigorous coursework and hands-on experiences. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, and specific prerequisites, with no GRE scores needed. As a candidate for CAA Accreditation, it features a holistic admissions process, including virtual or in-person interviews and a January 15 deadline, supporting careers in transformative healthcare.
Angola, IN - Private 4-year - trine.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Trine University's Speech Language Pathology program offers comprehensive, hands-on training for a healthcare career, covering diverse communication disorders with a focus on clinical skills. Students engage in multiple practicum levels, developing expertise in articulation, language development, and specialized interventions like augmentative communication and motor speech disorders. The curriculum includes rigorous coursework, research methods, and capstone opportunities, ensuring graduates are prepared for complex challenges across populations. As a master's or doctorate level program, it may require an entrance exam such as the GRE, though this is not explicitly stated.
In Indiana, the base degree for practice or further study is a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (sometimes referred to as ‘Pre-SLP’) which prepares students for graduate study in clinical or research focused programs or for roles such as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA), healthcare aide, or in rehabilitation support. The usual undergraduate admissions requirements in Indiana are having a high school diploma or GED, satisfactory ACT or SAT scores and a good GPA. However, a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology is needed to obtain a license as a Speech Pathologist.
Most Indiana SLP master’s degree programs at Ball State, Purdue, and Indiana University, for instance, demand a bachelor’s degree in CSD or completion of specified coursework, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, letters of recommendation, and, optionally, GRE scores. Four year tuition for a bachelor’s at public Indiana universities is quite reasonable; however, you will be paying for it; master’s students are typically charged more per credit hour but are done in two years. Many universities provide assistantships or scholarships that can help cover the costs. With a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology, the entry-level wages may be lower (usually $30,000 – $45,000 as an assistant or in support roles) whereas speech pathologists with a license in Indiana earn a median salary of $80,000 to $85,000. If there is no dedicated SLP bachelor’s degree, it is still possible to get into an Indiana graduate SLP program through a different major (say, psychology or linguistics) and then take the necessary preparation courses.
Two primary doctorate pathways in Speech-Language Pathology in Indiana are the PhD and the clinical Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD). At this time, Indiana’s PhD programs—provided by universities such as Indiana University Bloomington and Purdue University West Lafayette—focus on research, academia, and leadership. These programs are for individuals who have a master’s degree (or, in some cases, a bachelor’s degree and bridging courses) and a good academic record (often a 3.5 or above), GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a faculty research match. PhD graduates are likely to work in university teaching, clinical research or administrative leadership in healthcare organizations.
The SLPD is a new clinical doctorate for practicing clinicians seeking advanced expertise and leadership, but as of now, Indiana universities do not offer a dedicated SLPD program widely. Clinicians interested in a clinical doctorate usually search for out-of-state or online SLPD programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation. The usual SLPD admissions are: SLP master’s degree, current state license, clinical certification, and plenty of working experience. Roles for SLPDs include; high level clinical positions, clinical supervision, and program development. When it comes to costs, PhD candidates in Indiana are able to pay for their tuition through research or teaching assistantships, whereas SLPD students—many of whom are part time—may have to pay more tuition but can work. Doctoral level salaries are more than $90,000 in academia or advanced practice because these degrees come with specialized skills and leadership positions.
To become a licensed speech language pathologist (SLP) in Indiana one must have at least a master’s degree in speech language pathology from an accredited university and 400 hours of clinical practice. After graduation, prospective clinicians have to finish a full time, 9 month Clinical Fellowship (CF) or equivalent in parts. This is done under the supervision of a licensed SLP. A prerequisite is the Praxis exam in speech pathology, for which a passing score is needed, as well as the Indiana jurisprudence examination, which consists of questions about state specific laws and regulations. The documents that are to be submitted to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency include proof of education, clinical hours, CF completion, exam scores, and any fees that are required. Once licensed, SLPs must renew every two years and complete continuing education (CE). During that 2 year cycle, Speech-language pathologists must complete 36 CE credits to stay current in their knowledge of the speech pathology field.
Some of the additional credentials that Indiana licensees will find have similar requirements to Indiana licensure include the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This makes it easy to get dual credentialing in Indiana. For the position of speech language pathology assistants (SLPAs), communication sciences and disorders (CSD) bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is a must, and they should have 100 hours of clinical experience which they have to obtain while working under the supervision of a licensed SLP. To ensure that the state of Indiana has a highly skilled and capable speech pathologist workforce that can meet the needs of the diverse population, it is important to follow these requirements.
In Indiana, the fastest track to an SLP career depends on the availability of accelerated bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, which is followed by a standard two-year master’s in speech-language pathology. Most undergraduates can finish a full time bachelor’s program in four years, though some schools offer accelerated “3+1” or “4+1” pathways. For instance, Saint Mary’s College has a “4+1” option, which allows the student to move seamlessly from the bachelor’s degree to the master’s degree level, and to receive both degrees in five years. This pathway minimizes the total time in school and lets you obtain your license sooner.
Most CAA-accredited master’s programs in Indiana, and indeed across the U.S., are two years in length, or five or six semesters including summers, in the same way that Purdue University, Indiana University Bloomington, and Ball State University structure theirs. This means that if you are coming from a different bachelor’s degree you might have to take leveling courses which will set you back another year. Some institutions offer combined master’s/PhD tracks at the doctoral level, which enables research-active clinicians to achieve both degrees in a slightly shortened time than if they were to seek them separately. Although this is longer than a standalone master’s, it fast tracks your progression to higher level positions in research or academia. In the end, it is important to find a program that can help you minimize prerequisites and maximize the overlap of courses to determine the fastest speech pathology route in Indiana.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| Indiana University-Bloomington |
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| Purdue University |
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| Saint Mary's College |
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The cheapest SLP programs in Indiana are usually offered by public universities where the in-state tuition is usually cheaper than that of private universities. The undergraduates who are studying Communication Sciences and Disorders are charged $400-600 per credit by Ball State University, Indiana State University and Indiana University Bloomington as an in-state student. This could amount to something between $25,000 and $35,000 in tuition over four years, but does not include other expenses such as living costs. For instance, private colleges (e.g., Saint Mary’s) can be more than $60,000 for the entire program but you might be able to get scholarships and grants to offset the cost.
Graduate students looking to study speech-language pathology will also find that public universities offer in-state tuition that can put the total cost of the 50-60 credit master’s program at $25,000-$35,000. These graduate programs can be particularly affordable if the student is able to get a graduate assistantship or departmental fellowship. Private colleges’ tuition is usually higher but many of them offer institutional aid that can minimize the cost.
A PhD in speech pathology at research universities like Purdue or Indiana University could be almost free if you get tuition remission, stipend, or TAship. This can make a doctoral degree surprisingly affordable if the plan is to be a researcher or an academic. In the end, comparing in-state tuition, scholarships, assistantships, and the cost of living helps future students identify the most economical way in Indiana.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Purdue University Fort Wayne |
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| Indiana University-South Bend |
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| Ball State University |
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