Compare tuition, Praxis pass rates, and admissions data for every accredited Missouri SLP program.
Missouri's nine accredited SLP master's programs span six cities, from Columbia and Springfield to the St. Louis and Kansas City metros, with annual graduate tuition ranging from roughly $7,700 to over $25,500 depending on the school and residency status. Formats include traditional campus cohorts, two hybrid options, and one fully online program.
The practical challenge is balancing cost against clinical preparation and career outcomes. In-state public programs like Missouri State University and Southeast Missouri State keep tuition well below $10,000 per year, while private universities such as Saint Louis University charge more but report strong Praxis pass rates and near-total employment at graduation. Prospective students weighing options in neighboring states may also want to explore slp programs in Kansas for comparison. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 15% job growth for SLPs through 2034 and Missouri metro salaries varying by thousands of dollars across regions, where and how you train matters as much as the credential itself.
Missouri is home to nine accredited speech-language pathology master's programs spanning campus, hybrid, and fully online formats. Whether you're drawn to a flagship research university, a small private college with an intimate student-to-faculty ratio, or an affordable regional public school, this ranked list can help you compare what matters most: program quality, cost, clinical training, and career outcomes. All graduation rates cited below are institution-wide figures, not SLP-specific, so treat them as one indicator among many.
Columbia, MO · $20,000/yr
Best for: Research-minded clinicians seeking PhD pathways
The University of Missouri is the state's flagship research institution and the only Missouri school offering a combined bachelor's-to-PhD pathway in speech-language pathology. Its MHS program benefits from a low student-to-faculty ratio and the on-campus MU Speech and Hearing Clinic, which hosts specialty camps in stuttering, social skills, and language literacy. The university also runs an Accent Expansion Program for non-native English speakers and places students at the Nora Stewart Early Learning Center, giving clinical breadth that few peers can match.
Saint Louis, MO · $24,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Urban learners valuing small cohort sizes
Saint Louis University pairs a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio with a rigorous two-year, 61-credit master's curriculum rooted in evidence-based practice and service to diverse populations. The program reports a 97% graduation rate and 99% employment rate among its SLP graduates, and students complete clinical practicums every semester. Located in the heart of St. Louis, SLU gives students access to a major metro healthcare market and strong industry relationships.
Kirksville, MO · ~$13,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Budget-focused students preferring small-town campuses
Truman State University offers one of the most affordable SLP master's programs in Missouri, with the same graduate tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students. Set in the small college town of Kirksville, the program emphasizes close faculty collaboration and personalized study plans. Students gain clinical hours at the on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic and can pursue study-abroad options, including placements in Mexico.
Kansas City, MO · $26,000/yr
Rockhurst University in Kansas City delivers its MS in Speech-Language Pathology through a hybrid format that blends online coursework with on-campus clinical sessions. This structure appeals to students who want the rigor of in-person skill building alongside the scheduling flexibility of remote learning. The private Jesuit university maintains a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 74.6% institution-wide graduation rate.
Saint Louis, MO · ~$22,000/yr (est.)
Maryville University's fully online MS in Speech-Language Pathology is built for students who need maximum scheduling flexibility. The 57-credit program is completed in five semesters and does not require GRE scores for admission. Students complete online coursework on their own schedule while attending in-person clinical practicums, and the program offers flexible start dates in January and August.
Springfield, MO · $18,000/yr (net price)
Missouri State University in Springfield stands out for its affordability and strong outcomes. In-state graduate tuition starts at roughly $8,204 per year, making it among the least expensive options in the state. The program reports a 100% Praxis exam pass rate and a 98.8% employment rate, and it offers two entry pathways: a standard two-year track for CSD bachelor's holders and leveling courses for career changers.
Cape Girardeau, MO · $16,000/yr (net price)
Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau provides a nationally accredited Master of Arts in Communication Disorders with rigorous training in language development, speech acoustics, and disorder diagnosis. The program meets ASHA certification requirements and includes both clinical practicum and research opportunities. Its uniform tuition rate of approximately $7,702 per year applies to all students regardless of residency.
Warrensburg, MO · $14,000/yr
The University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg offers an MS in Speech-Language Pathology that has been continuously accredited since 1977. The program reports a 99% two-year completion rate, a 99% Praxis exam pass rate, and 100% employment among graduates. Students train at the on-campus Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication Disorders and complete off-site practica in diverse settings, gaining breadth through problem-based and case-based learning.
Saint Louis, MO
Fontbonne University is a small private institution in the St. Louis suburb of Clayton that delivers its MS in Speech-Language Pathology in a hybrid format across multiple locations, including Clayton, Saint Paul, and Kansas City. With a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students receive highly individualized mentorship. The program offers specialty concentration tracks, including working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing and adults with neurogenic communication disorders.
Comparing tuition, median graduate debt, and long-term earnings can help you gauge the return on investment (ROI) of each speech pathology program in Missouri. The table below uses institution-level data from IPEDS and College Scorecard. Program-level earnings are not yet available for these SLP programs, so the median earnings shown reflect all graduates of each university at 10 years after enrollment. Note that net price reflects the average annual cost after financial aid for first-time undergraduates, which can serve as a useful baseline when evaluating overall affordability.
| School | SLP Program Tuition (In-State) | SLP Program Tuition (Out-of-State) | Net Price | Median Graduate Debt | Median Earnings (10 yr) | Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockhurst University | $20,842 | $20,842 | $25,884 | $18,250 | $67,102 | 12:1 |
| University of Missouri | $13,681 | $32,581 | $20,268 | $20,500 | $63,403 | 17:1 |
| Saint Louis University | $25,590 | $25,590 | $24,398 | $25,000 | $70,783 | 9:1 |
| Maryville University | $16,246 | $16,246 | $22,066 | $22,000 | $62,105 | 13:1 |
| Truman State University | $12,168 | $12,168 | $12,780 | $21,000 | $56,280 | 12:1 |
| University of Central Missouri | $10,296 | $19,092 | $14,462 | $21,000 | $49,560 | 18:1 |
| Missouri State University | $8,204 | $14,990 | $17,613 | $21,992 | $49,827 | 21:1 |
| Southeast Missouri State University | $7,702 | $7,702 | $15,882 | $21,500 | $44,030 | 20:1 |
Getting into an SLP master's program in Missouri requires planning, but the good news is that the state's programs have made the process more accessible in recent years. Here is what you need to know about selectivity, testing requirements, prerequisites, and how to position yourself as a strong applicant.
School-wide admissions rates give you a rough sense of institutional selectivity, but they do not tell the full story for SLP cohorts, which are almost always more competitive than the university average. Among Missouri schools offering SLP master's programs, institution-level acceptance rates range from about 64% at the University of Central Missouri to roughly 95% at Maryville University. Rockhurst University sits near 70%, Southeast Missouri State University around 74%, the University of Missouri at about 78%, Saint Louis University at 75%, Missouri State University near 91%, and Truman State University at roughly 84%.
Keep in mind that SLP graduate cohorts are small, often admitting only 20 to 40 students per year. Even at universities with higher overall acceptance rates, the SLP program itself may turn away a significant number of applicants. Competitive applicants typically carry a GPA of 3.5 to 3.7, well above the stated minimums. For a deeper look at what gpa do you need for slp grad school and other admissions factors, our national guide breaks down the full picture.
As of 2026, none of the major Missouri SLP programs require the GRE for admission. The University of Missouri2, Missouri State University3, Southeast Missouri State University4, and the University of Central Missouri5 have all dropped the requirement. This shift aligns with a broader national trend in communication sciences and makes these programs more accessible to career changers and students who may not test well under standardized conditions. If you are applying from out of state and are a non-native English speaker, note that some programs do require English proficiency scores. The University of Missouri, for example, requires a TOEFL iBT of 100 or higher, or an IELTS of 7 or above.2
Most Missouri SLP programs expect you to arrive with a foundation in communication sciences. Common slp prerequisites for graduate school include:
Applicants must also complete at least 25 supervised observation hours in speech-language pathology before or during the program. Most programs accept applications through CSDCAS, the centralized application service for communication sciences.
If you do not hold a bachelor's degree in communication disorders, several Missouri programs offer leveling or prerequisite coursework so you can catch up. Missouri State University, Fontbonne University, and Saint Louis University are all known for accommodating career changers through structured prerequisite tracks.6 Maryville University requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a B-minus or higher in each prerequisite course.7
This is one of the most common questions prospective students ask, and it deserves an honest answer. No Missouri program publishes SLP-specific acceptance rates, so there is no reliable way to rank programs from easiest to hardest. A university with a slp graduate programs high acceptance rate may still have a fiercely competitive SLP cohort. Rather than searching for the path of least resistance, focus on programs where your GPA, prerequisite coursework, clinical observation hours, and personal statement align well with what the admissions committee values. A strong application to a program that fits your goals will serve you far better than admission to a program chosen solely for perceived ease of entry.
Application deadlines vary by school. Missouri State University, for instance, has a January 15 deadline3, while Southeast Missouri State University operates on a variable timeline4. Start early, confirm each program's requirements directly, and give yourself plenty of time to gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, and your personal statement.
Missouri licenses speech-language pathologists through the Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. The path from undergraduate study to full licensure follows a clear sequence, and most candidates complete it within six to seven years. Here is each milestone you will need to reach.
Before you can practice as a speech-language pathologist in Missouri, you need to pass the praxis exam for speech language pathology (Test Code 5331). Praxis pass rates are one of the strongest indicators of how well a program prepares its graduates for independent practice, and they deserve careful attention as you compare your options.
The Praxis 5331 assesses your knowledge across the full scope of SLP practice, including speech sound disorders, fluency, language disorders in children and adults, voice and resonance, swallowing, augmentative and alternative communication, and professional and ethical standards. Missouri requires a minimum passing score of 162 out of a possible 200.1 This is the same threshold used by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for the Certificate of Clinical Competence, so passing the exam in Missouri simultaneously satisfies a key CCC-SLP certification requirement.
Praxis pass rate data can be found through ASHA EdFind and individual program outcome reports. Here is what the most recent data shows:
For other Missouri programs, including Missouri State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Rockhurst University, and Fontbonne University, the most current pass rate data may not be publicly available for the same reporting cycle, or cohort sizes may be too small for public release. If you are evaluating one of these programs, contact the department directly and ask for their most recent Praxis outcomes.
A consistently high pass rate signals that a program's curriculum and clinical training align well with the competencies tested on the exam. That said, a few important caveats apply:
Praxis pass rates go beyond rankings and reputation. They reflect how well graduates perform on a standardized, high-stakes assessment that directly gates entry into the profession. A program where virtually every graduate passes on the first attempt is demonstrating that its coursework, clinical hours, and faculty mentorship translate into real-world readiness. When you are weighing factors like location, cost, and cohort culture, let Praxis outcomes serve as a grounding data point that keeps program quality at the center of your decision.
Are there online SLP programs in Missouri? Yes, but your options are more limited than you might expect. Of the nine accredited SLP programs in the state, only one is fully online and two use a hybrid format. The majority of Missouri SLP programs are traditional on-campus programs. Understanding what each format actually looks like, and knowing you can look beyond state borders, will help you find the right fit.
Maryville University in St. Louis offers the state's only fully online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Coursework is delivered entirely online across five semesters, with no GRE requirement and flexible start dates. This is a strong option for working professionals or students who need scheduling flexibility.
Two schools deliver their SLP master's programs in a hybrid format, blending online coursework with required on-campus or in-person components:
The remaining six programs at the University of Missouri, Saint Louis University, Truman State University, Missouri State University, Southeast Missouri State University, and the University of Central Missouri are all campus-based.
Even with a fully online program like Maryville's, you will still need to complete in-person clinical practicum hours. ASHA's accreditation standards require supervised, hands-on clinical experience that cannot be fully replicated in a virtual setting. Online and hybrid programs typically coordinate placement sites near your location, but availability can vary. Before enrolling, ask each program how they arrange clinical placements, whether they have established partnerships in your area, and whether you may need to relocate temporarily for an externship.
Missouri is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which means residents can enroll in online speech pathology programs offered by participating institutions in other states without those schools needing separate Missouri authorization. This significantly expands your choices. Several well-regarded online SLP master's programs based in other states accept Missouri residents through SARA. If the three flexible-format programs within Missouri do not meet your needs, exploring SARA-eligible programs is a practical next step. Just verify that the out-of-state program's curriculum meets Missouri's specific licensure requirements so you are not caught off guard after graduation.
Consider these factors when deciding between online, hybrid, and campus-based programs:
The bottom line: Missouri does offer online and hybrid SLP programs, but the selection is small. Broadening your search to include SARA-eligible out-of-state programs can give you significantly more flexibility without sacrificing your path to Missouri licensure.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for speech-language pathologists to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034, far outpacing the average for all occupations. That pace of growth translates to roughly 13,300 job openings each year nationwide, driven by rising demand across schools, hospitals, and private practices.
Where you practice in Missouri can significantly affect your earning potential as a speech-language pathologist. The St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas offer the highest SLP wages in the state, while Springfield trails behind but benefits from a lower cost of living. All Missouri metros fall near or slightly below the national median, so comparing salary against local expenses is essential when choosing where to launch your career.
With several accredited options spread across the state, narrowing down the right speech pathology master's program in Missouri takes more than a gut feeling. A structured approach will help you compare programs on the factors that actually shape your career trajectory and financial health.
Before anything else, confirm that every program on your list holds active accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). This is not a nice-to-have. Graduating from an unaccredited program means you will not qualify for ASHA certification or Missouri state licensure, effectively closing the door to practice. Always verify a program's current accreditation status directly through ASHA's online directory.
Once accreditation is confirmed, organize your comparison around five areas:
Narrow your options to three or four programs and line them up side by side. Compare median graduate debt against first-year earnings data presented earlier in the article. A program with lower tuition but strong employment outcomes may deliver better long-term value than a higher-profile option that leaves graduates carrying significantly more debt.
One question that comes up often is whether speech-language pathologists in Missouri can perform procedures like endoscopy, specifically flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). In Missouri, SLPs may perform FEES, but doing so requires additional training and competency documentation beyond what a master's program provides. Not every state permits this, so if you plan to specialize in swallowing disorders or medical SLP practice, verify the specific credentialing requirements through the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. Choosing a program with strong dysphagia coursework and access to medical clinical sites can give you a head start toward building those competencies. For a broader look at the profession and its many specialization paths, explore our speech language pathology careers guide.
Taking the time to evaluate programs systematically, rather than defaulting to name recognition or convenience alone, positions you for a career that aligns with both your clinical interests and your financial goals.
Choosing an SLP program and navigating Missouri's licensing process can raise a lot of questions. Below are answers to the most common ones prospective students ask when researching speech pathology programs in Missouri.
