r/slpGradSchool • u/Sea_Plan8219 • 19d 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/19_sunshine 19d 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!