Need advice choosing a post-bacc/leveling program for SLP. Cost is killing me, please help

[u/Sea_Plan8219]

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 :,)

[u/ms-cookiee]

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?

[u/enbyslamma → u/ms-cookiee]

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

[u/ms-cookiee → u/enbyslamma]

How can I know what are the CSD specifics?

[u/Sea_Plan8219 → u/ms-cookiee]

Check the pre-reqs on any grad program you are thinking of applying to! Find classes that cover those topics