Doctorate in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Programs

Interested in audiology and speech-language pathology academia or research? Check out the best audiology and speech-language pathology doctoral programs.

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Updated December 18, 2024

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A doctorate in audiology and speech-language pathology is a gateway to a career as a speech-language pathologist or teaching at the postsecondary level. Students develop clinical expertise in speech-language pathology while gaining a graduate-level understanding of areas such as education and public health.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees for graduate programs in 2019-20 was $19,792 per year. Additional college costs like technology fees can add to the overall cost.

On average, a doctoral program takes 4-6 years to complete, but some online programs shorten this timeline. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for speech-language pathologists is strong, with jobs projected to grow 29% between 2020 and 2030. Salaries are also strong, with a median pay of $79,060 as of 2021.

With strong salaries, moderate tuition, and the opportunity to take classes part time, it’s worth investigating whether a doctoral program makes financial sense for you.

Learn more about our picks for the best doctorate in audiology and speech-language pathology programs below.

In this Article

Accredited Doctorate in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Programs

Public School Programs

Adelphi University

Garden City, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$41,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$41,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

74%

Acceptance Rate

21%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,470

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,470

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

7,991

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$41,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,920

Adelphi University

Garden City, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$41,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,920

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

21%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,470

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,470

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

7,991

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Boston University

Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$54,720

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,720

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

19%

Acceptance Rate

10%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,720

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,720

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

33,720

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,720

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,720

Boston University

Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,720

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,720

Acceptance Rate

19%

Online Enrollment

10%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,720

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,720

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

33,720

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$26,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$26,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

27%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,680

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,680

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

4,462

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$26,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,880

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$26,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,880

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

27%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,680

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,680

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

4,462

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

New York University

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$33,408

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$33,408

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

16%

Acceptance Rate

10%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,684

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,684

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

52,885

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$33,408

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,408

New York University

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$33,408

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,408

Acceptance Rate

16%

Online Enrollment

10%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,684

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,684

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

52,885

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$56,067

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$56,067

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,232

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,232

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

22,448

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$56,067

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,067

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$56,067

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,067

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,232

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,232

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

22,448

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$19,665

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,665

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

80%

Acceptance Rate

45%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,150

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,150

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

20,576

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,665

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,665

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,665

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,665

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

45%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,150

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,150

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

20,576

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Pacific University

Forest Grove, OR4 yearCampus + Online

$32,768

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$32,768

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

87%

Acceptance Rate

18%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$45,344

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$45,344

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

3,832

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$32,768

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,768

Pacific University

Forest Grove, OR4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$32,768

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,768

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

18%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$45,344

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$45,344

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

3,832

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$38,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

44%

Acceptance Rate

15%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,616

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,616

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

22,850

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,880

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,880

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

15%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,616

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,616

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

22,850

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Teachers College at Columbia University

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$40,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$40,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

14%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

4,489

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$40,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,800

Teachers College at Columbia University

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$40,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,800

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

14%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

4,489

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

$48,624

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$48,624

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,800

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

13,131

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$48,624

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$48,624

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$48,624

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$48,624

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,800

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

13,131

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$54,250

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,250

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

14%

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,250

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,250

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

16,191

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,250

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,250

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,250

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,250

Acceptance Rate

14%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,250

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,250

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

16,191

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Private School Programs

Adelphi University

Garden City, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$41,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$41,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

74%

Acceptance Rate

21%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,470

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,470

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

7,991

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$41,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,920

Adelphi University

Garden City, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$41,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,920

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

21%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,470

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,470

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

7,991

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Boston University

Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$54,720

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,720

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

19%

Acceptance Rate

10%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,720

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,720

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

33,720

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,720

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,720

Boston University

Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,720

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,720

Acceptance Rate

19%

Online Enrollment

10%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,720

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,720

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

33,720

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$26,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$26,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

27%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,680

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,680

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

4,462

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$26,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,880

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$26,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,880

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

27%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,680

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,680

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

4,462

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

New York University

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$33,408

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$33,408

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

16%

Acceptance Rate

10%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,684

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,684

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

52,885

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$33,408

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,408

New York University

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$33,408

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,408

Acceptance Rate

16%

Online Enrollment

10%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,684

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,684

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

52,885

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$56,067

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$56,067

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,232

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,232

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

22,448

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$56,067

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,067

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$56,067

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,067

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,232

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,232

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

22,448

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$19,665

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,665

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

80%

Acceptance Rate

45%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,150

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,150

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

20,576

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,665

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,665

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,665

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,665

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

45%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,150

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,150

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

20,576

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Pacific University

Forest Grove, OR4 yearCampus + Online

$32,768

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$32,768

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

87%

Acceptance Rate

18%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$45,344

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$45,344

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

3,832

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$32,768

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,768

Pacific University

Forest Grove, OR4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$32,768

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,768

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

18%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$45,344

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$45,344

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

3,832

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$38,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

44%

Acceptance Rate

15%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,616

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,616

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

22,850

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,880

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,880

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

15%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,616

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,616

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

22,850

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Teachers College at Columbia University

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$40,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$40,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

14%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

4,489

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$40,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,800

Teachers College at Columbia University

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$40,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,800

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

14%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

4,489

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

$48,624

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$48,624

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,800

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

13,131

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$48,624

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$48,624

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$48,624

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$48,624

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,800

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

13,131

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$54,250

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,250

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

14%

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,250

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,250

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

16,191

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,250

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,250

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,250

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,250

Acceptance Rate

14%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,250

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,250

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

16,191

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Popular Online Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Programs

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Frequently Asked Questions About Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Programs

Is a doctorate in audiology and speech-language pathology worth it?

Whether a doctorate in audiology and speech-language pathology is worth it depends on your situation. For those who hold only a bachelor’s or master’s degree and hope to pursue a career in teaching or research, a Ph.D. is absolutely worth it. A Ph.D. is the primary path to enter into academia.

For those currently working as a speech-language pathologist, the question is more ambiguous. Potential applicants should investigate what the potential costs will be, how much their salary would increase, and what time commitment they can afford to dedicate to their studies.

What can I do with a doctorate in audiology and speech-language pathology?

A Ph.D. in audiology and speech-language pathology prepares you for a career as a teacher and researcher. Most graduates go into academia, conducting and publishing independent research while training the next generation of audiologists and speech-language pathologists. A handful, but not many, also practice as speech-language clinicians.

With a non-Ph.D. doctorate in speech-language pathology, you can pursue an advanced career as a clinician in the field. Doctorate coursework prepares you for more complex cases, managing a therapy office, and applying your knowledge to broader fields, like public health and education.

How long does it take to get a doctorate in audiology and speech-language pathology?

A Ph.D. in audiology and speech-language pathology takes about 4-6 years of full-time work, depending on prior experience. The first part of the program is devoted to classroom study. During this phase, you may earn a master’s degree if you don’t already have one. During the next segment, you work on conducting an independent experiment and presenting and defending your findings in a dissertation.

If you already have a master’s degree in the field, it may only take you 1-2 years to earn your doctorate in audiology and speech-language pathology. Completion times vary based on enrollment status.

How much money can I make with a doctorate in audiology and speech-language pathology?

Most professionals with a Ph.D. in speech-language pathology pursue careers as a tenure-track professor. According to Payscale, as of July 2022, the average salary for a tenure-track professor was $74,620. However, alternate revenue streams also exist, such as with publishing, fellowships, and private-sector research.

Those with a non-Ph.D. doctorate typically work as a speech-language pathologist. According to the BLS, the median salary for a speech-language pathologist was $79,060 as of 2021. However, speech-language pathologists with a doctorate often command a higher salary.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a doctorate in audiology and speech-language pathology?

Tenure-track professors and speech-language pathologists make some of the highest salaries with a doctorate in audiology and speech-language pathology. Additional potential well-paying jobs include audiologist. According to Payscale data, as of July 2022, these workers made an average annual salary of $70,600.

A speech-language pathologist with a doctoral degree can earn a much higher salary than the average for all U.S. jobs of $45,760. According to BLS, the highest paid speech-language pathologists can earn over $125,560 annually as of 2021.

Job growth in the speech-language pathology field is also strong, with the BLS projecting 29% job growth between 2020 and 2030. This is much faster than the average job growth rate of 8% for all occupations.

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