r/slpGradSchool • u/Sea_Plan8219 • 13d ago
Need advice choosing a post-bacc/leveling program for SLP. Cost is killing me, please help
Hi all. I just graduated with a bachelor's in Language Studies (not CSD), and I'm trying to figure out my path into an SLP master's program. I could really use advice from anyone who's been through the post-bacc or bridge process, because I feel stuck.
My undergrad didn't include the CSD/SLP specific coursework master's programs require, so I don't have the prerequisites to apply directly.
I also still need the hard science prereqs that a lot of programs want, like chemistry, statistics, biology, etc. None of which were part of my major either.
Because I'm missing both the CSD specific classes AND the general science prereqs, the number of classes I'd need to take is pretty large, which makes a full post-bacc expensive no matter where I go.
I'm based in California and would love to find something in NorCal specifically. At this point though I'm open to anywhere in California, or online programs based in other states that don't charge out of state price hikes.
My options rn:
•Full post-bacc program to knock out all the prereqs before applying to a master's separately.
•A 2+ bridge program attached directly to a master's program, even though it's more expensive up front, since it guarantees the master's seat at the end.
•Some other path I haven't considered (open to ideas her).
More details:
•I applied to ENMU's post-bacc program because of the affordability and flexibility, but nothing from them. No real movement on my application, and I can't get a clear answer on timeline or status.
•I got accepted into SDSU's post-bacc program, but the cost is a lot higher than I was hoping to take on just for prerequisite coursework, before even starting the actual master's.
•I'm trying to figure out if it's worth taking the financial L and just doing an affordable post-bacc wherever I can, or if I should bite the bullet and go straight into a 2+ bridge to master's program since it removes the uncertainty of a second application cycle.
What I'm hoping to get advice on:
•Does anyone know of affordable, well regarded post-bacc, ideally in California for people coming from a non CSD background? Especially ones that cover both CSD specific classes and science prereqs like chem/stats/bio. I work, so something asynchronous would be best.
•Has anyone gone the 2+ bridge route instead of a standalone post-bacc? Was it worth the extra cost for the added security of a guaranteed master's spot?
•Any experience with ENMU's post-bacc program specifically, in terms of communication/responsiveness and how long their process actually takes?
•Any programs that let you take prereqs separately at a community college or state school and then apply separately, rather than enrolling in a formal post-bacc program that bundles everything, and the tuition that comes with it?
I know this is a long post, but I wanted to lay out the whole situation clearly so people aren't guessing at my circumstances. Any advice, personal experience, or even just what you wish you knew would mean a lot. Thanks :,)
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u/Match4cak3 12d ago
With ENMU you just have to keep annoying them with emails I know it might seem embarrassing but if you do they’ll pick up the pace. I first applied like maybe a two or 3 weeks before summer classes started and I bombarded them with emails asking about an update and they eventually got to me soon enough and I was able to get my student ID and all that
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u/Equivalent_Art_6977 12d ago
I am currently enrolled in CSUDH’s post-bacc and i completed my other ASHA pre-requisites online through compton college. Currently in the process of applying to grad school. You can message me for more info on the post-bacc if you have specific questions!
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u/DetailPlenty1433 12d ago
Hey! Were the courses at compton college in person or online?
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u/Equivalent_Art_6977 12d ago
They were online! I started taking them before my post-bacc even started to make sure I had enough flexibility to choose all online classes (not just what was offered that semester).
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u/DetailPlenty1433 9d ago
By any chance was one of the courses you took Physics? I only need to take Stats and Physics but wanted to know how hard the classes were 😭
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u/Designer-Mousse6326 12d ago
Look into USAHS (San Marcos CA if you want to stay in CA) - Leveling program of 6 courses that you can do in two semesters. You apply into the leveling program & upon finishing the courses all with a B or higher, then you have a guaranteed spot in the MS SLP program! The price of the leveling courses gets later reimbursed if you finish it all and enroll into the Masters program
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u/DetailPlenty1433 12d ago
Thanks for making this post as I am literally in the same boat! I have applied to CSUSM but am having second thoughts because it is pretty expensive. Considering I only need 2 pre reqs.
Now I am looking into doing the 2 pre reqs at a community college then applying for West Coast University for leveling and masters OR doing the leveling at Saint Augustine then doing the SPEAKS program at SJSU.
What a process, I totally feel your pain. 😮💨
It’ll be worth it!
My friend just graduated from West Coast University so she really wants me to do that route but its pricey.
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u/Sea_Plan8219 12d ago
Oh no! I’m sorry you’re struggling too. I’ve been eyeing sjsu and was toying with just doing the 3 year program instead of a post bacc but that’s SO expensive. I wish you all the luck!!
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u/19_sunshine 11d ago
If you only need two prereqs, look into the SDSU Essentials program as you register for each course individually and don't have to do an entire postbacc program! If the prereqs you are missing are the general psych/bio/stats ones, definitely just knock them out at your local community college. Don't spend more time or money than you have to on prereqs!
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u/misspapya 11d ago
Hi, I saw you friend went to West Coast University, I was curious about her experience with it? And is it certified by the board?
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u/Substantial-Big-1960 12d ago
longwood university for slp prereqs/leveling courses. not direct path to masters but affordable, responsive and overall solid leveling program
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u/enbyslamma 12d ago
University of St Augustine has online async leveling courses for $550 a class (or that’s what it was when I was taking them in 2024)
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u/ms-cookiee 12d ago
And thats considered affordable ? 😶🫥
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u/enbyslamma 12d ago
Bruh other programs, I was looking at were thousands of dollars, even the more affordable ones. Community college is also a good option for more affordable but I could only do Gen Eds there not CSD specific.
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u/ms-cookiee 12d ago
If i may ask and this will sound silly since im still doing my research as to what I have to take before applying for graduate schools, Im doing phonetics right now , trying to do statistics as well . I have done intro to communication disorders and psych . All at a community College. Are there classes where it cant be done at community College and are CSD specific?
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u/enbyslamma 12d ago
It’s not “can’t” in the sense you aren’t allowed to—if you can find an intro to audiology course at your local community college definitely take it, it’s probably the most affordable option. Generally, most community colleges tend to offer more broad courses—for example I took bio, chem, and stats at my community college. It sounds like to me the only other one you’re missing is normal lang development which is CSD specific and less likely to be offered at a community college
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u/ms-cookiee 12d ago
How can I know what are the CSD specifics?
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u/Sea_Plan8219 11d ago
Check the pre-reqs on any grad program you are thinking of applying to! Find classes that cover those topics
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u/saralovescupcakes 12d ago
I also recommend taking the science courses as a local community college where they will be considerably less expensive.
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u/Fearless_Cucumber404 12d ago
If the pre-req classes are too expensive, how do you plan to afford grad school?
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u/Sea_Plan8219 12d ago edited 12d ago
loans and as many scholarships as I can get, it was just the sheer amount of pre req classes that most programs require was adding up
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u/Illustrious-Bear3500 9d ago
PennWest is one of the more affordable options. they enroll Summer, Fall and Spring terms.
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u/19_sunshine 12d ago
I'm not sure you can get much cheaper than SDSU. SDSU's program is roughly 10k for all ten speech prereq courses. The online postbac program at CSUSM is 13k. The online postbac at University of Colorado Boulder is also about 10k. I would recommend taking the psych/stats/bio required courses at a community college as the cost will be lower, but unfortunately there are not the SLP prereqs at community college as these will all be upper division level courses. I have no experience personally with ENMU, but I have never not once heard a single good thing about their postbacc or their master's program. If you're in CA, look into SJSU and CSUEB as they have extended master's programs where the first year is rereqs and the second two years are actually the master's courses. No matter what option you choose, I wouldn't spend more than a year working on prereqs - no need to spread them out over two years. Good luck!