Washington offers four universities with accredited Master’s programs in Speech-Language Pathology, each boasting robust academics, clinical opportunities, and research initiatives. Aspiring SLPs in the state can also find professional support through organizations like the Washington Speech-Language-Hearing Association (WSLHA) and the Washington Board of Hearing and Speech. Beyond the classroom, Washington’s diverse landscapes—from coastal shores to mountain peaks—provide a vibrant setting for both study and outdoor exploration. Below is an overview of the state’s SLP programs, tuition details, and the steps to becoming a licensed practitioner.

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Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) Programs in Washington

Becoming a speech pathologist is an enriching process that offers deep learning into the development of the human mind and how, as humans, we learn to communicate with others. These programs create opportunities to help people from birth to the end of life. Washington is home to an active Speech-Language Pathology Association to support individuals interested in becoming clinicians.

The following universities offer Master degree programs to become a speech pathologist in Washington.

Western Washington University, Bellington, WA – Master of Arts in Communication Science and Disorders

Western Washington is a top contender for academic excellence in the Pacific Northwest. Being part of a dynamic educational process offers students opportunities to connect with faculty, community internships, and research opportunities. The clinical experiences can be part-time or full-time depending on student preference and availability.

• Located Bellington in the Academic Instruction Center
• The program is full-time, but if reductions are needed, the program must be completed within 5 years.
• The program takes 2 years to complete, including the summer between each year.
• Tuition for in-state students is roughly $31,000, and out-of-state students pay roughly $50,000. Always review current tuition on the school’s website.

Western Washington offers unique opportunities for student connection and community innovation with the Food Sustainability program and research grants to study seafood die-offs.

University of Washington, Seattle, WA – Master of Speech Pathology

The speech pathology program at the University of Washington is unique in offering three tracks for the program – Education (EdSLP), Medical (MedSLP), or Clinical Research (CoreSLP). 

The EdSLP program focuses on education services with coursework in special education, autism services, literacy, and programs to support language development.

The MedSLP program has developed a clinically focused program for students interested in working with individuals with dementia, brain injuries, and other major neurological disorders. Often, these therapists work in trauma hospitals.

The CoreSLP program fosters clinical practice and sets the stage for clinical research with statistical analysis and research methods. The cohort for this program is very small, ranging from 2 to 4 students.

• Located in Seattle
• The programs are full-time, although the CoreSLP program has roughly 20 more credits to meet requirements.
• The program takes roughly two years, with summer included in class time.
• Tuition varies per track: The EdELP program is in-state $55,00 and out-of-state $68,000. The MedSLP program,  in-state and out-of-state, is roughly $70,000, and the CoreSLP program in-state is roughly $68,000 and out-of-state $92,000. Confer with the school website for current tuition costs.

Washington State University, Spokane, WA – Master of Speech and Hearing Science

Located in beautiful Spokane, with 6 different campuses, Washington State University is near Riverfront Park and has a vibrant art scene. You can’t beat affordable housing and great shopping and restaurants – the Spokane area offers more than just great educational opportunities. WSU has a 100% pass rate for the national PRAXIS exam, which few schools can brag about. Students also have access to work within the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Program of Excellence.

•  Located in Spokane
• The program is full-time on the Spokane campus.
• This program gives students opportunities within two camp environments for students interested in language and early child development. The program is a two-year training with varied clinical learning centers.
• Tuition for in-state students per year is roughly $37,000, and out-of-state students pay roughly $54,000 per year.

Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA, Master of Communication Science and Disorders

The speech pathology program at Eastern Washington University offers multiple options for clinical learning beyond typical coursework. With the SPEAK OUT Therapy Program and the Successful Stuttering Management Program (SSMP) available for community members, students can become familiar with specialty programs used in top-rated facilities. Students are also expected to complete a thesis or research project before graduation.

• The main campus is in Cheney, but this program is in Spokane
• The program is full-time in the SIERR Building on the Health Peninsula
• The program takes two years to complete 
• Tuition for in-state students is roughly $36,000, and for out-of-state students is roughly $60,000 –  always check the school’s website for current tuition rates.

Being in the heart of Washington state, EWU also offers an EPIC adventure outdoor program for students to learn new skills and recreational activities while forming friends and bonds.

MSLP Programs that do not require the GRE

The GRE is a national exam used to assess the way that a student learns and if they are ready to step into the world of higher, rigorous education. The exam was created in the early 1900s and combined the minds of multiple university scholars and leaders. By creating an exam that looked at various high-level learning skills, it was used to collate students who may be better prepared for graduate and PhD programs.

The skills assessed by the GRE include Verbal Reasoning (evaluating relationships and arguments and analyzing written information), Analytic Writing (the ability to evaluate concepts and arguments effectively), and Quantitative Reasoning (problem-solving and information analysis). Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are scored at 130-170 points, with average scores ranging from 150 to 155 accordingly. The Analytical Writing score is created in half-point increments and then combined with the other scores, creating an overall score of 260 to 340. One notable point is that there are no wrong answers, so answering every question is in the best interest of individuals taking this assessment.

The two schools in Washington that do not currently require the GRE are:

• University of Washington
• Western Washington University

Most Affordable Master’s in Speech Pathology Programs

When applying to a graduate program, the learning environment is important. Finding a school that fits the student’s learning style, timeline, and academic interests will help students build their best academic platform. Academics are the basis for learning, but the cost of that education is also very important.

The Master’s program schools in Washington that cost less than some of the others are the following:

• Eastern Washington University
• Washington State University
• Western Washington University

Bachelor in Speech Pathology Programs

Within the state of Washington, four universities offer undergraduate degrees in speech pathology or other degrees related to this program, i.e., Communication Science and Disorders. Each program provides the student a way to build the foundation for a graduate school program but does not limit students to only that path. 

Schools often change their programs, classes, or requirements, so it is important to review all academic requirements before enrolling in a university.

The following schools offer an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology:

Eastern Washington University, Spokane, WA – Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The Eastern Washington University undergraduate program in communication disorders offers coursework that completes the requirements for most graduate programs. Another bonus with this program is that based on the coursework required, several minors naturally occur within aging, linguistics, sociology, psychology, English, and special education.

• Located in Spokane
• The program is two years on top of the general education credits required by the university, which typically takes four years to complete
• Tuition for in-state students is roughly $28,000, and out-of-state students pay roughly $46,000 annually.

Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA – Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science and Disorders

Students enrolled at Western Washington University are exposed to the history and legacy of the Coastal Salish Peoples and their ancestral land. Feeling the pride and honor of these people flows through the depth of academics within WWU. The faculty at Western Washington engages in field-expanding research in augmentative and alternative communication, brain injury, and cochlear impact research.

• Located in Bellingham
• The program is two years on top of the two years of general studies for an undergraduate degree.
• The communication science and disorders program is 
• Tuition for the undergraduate program for in-state students is roughly $31,000, and for out-of-state students, it is roughly $50,000. Students should always check the school’s website for updated tuition costs.

Washington State University, Spokane, WA – Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Science

Washington State University students have the option of starting their education at Pullman and then transferring to the Spokane campus. The classes are student-focused and connect students with research-based education, which is the newest in the field.

• Located in Pullman/Spokane
• The program is two years but requires two years of general credits that can be completed at the Pullman campus.
• Tuition is roughly $35,000 per year, and out-of-state students pay roughly $52,000 per year.

University of Washington, Seattle, WA – Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences

The University of Washington is a school for those wanting more – virtual advising videos offer a glimpse into the program that can be used to decide on an education pathway. Students are offered a learning experience focused on research, clinical engagement, and in-depth learning.

• Located in Seattle
• The program is four years of typical undergrad programming with the last two years focused on speech and hearing science programming.
• Tuition for this program varies based on campus taking undergraduate credits and the number of credits per semester, ranging from $13,000 to $43,000. Each campus and Tier requires review for accurate costs.

Because of the multi-campus options, students can switch from one campus to another to decrease costs. The speech program is located on the Seattle campus only – transfer will need to be done for the last two years.

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How to Become a Speech Pathologist

To become a speech-language pathologist, you must complete undergraduate coursework that supports the transition to a master’s program. Although it is not required to have a degree in speech pathology as an undergrad, there may be coursework required by the graduate program to be sure that the student has a strong background in sciences and language development before graduate coursework.

After completing a graduate program, the student must pass the PRAXIS exam, the national exam taken by all of those requesting to become a licensed therapist. After the PRAXIS exam, students can apply to become members of ASHA (American Speech Language and Hearing Association) and apply for state licensure through the individual state boards.

Washington Speech-Language Pathology Programs

Program	University Name	City	State	Accreditation
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	University of Washington	Seattle	WA	ASHA
Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)	University of Washington	Seattle	WA	ASHA
Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)	Western Washington University	Bellingham	WA	ASHA
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	Western Washington University	Bellingham	WA	ASHA
Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)	Washington State University	Spokane	WA
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	Washington State University	Spokane	WA	ASHA
Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)	Eastern Washington University	Cheney	WA	ASHA