Top 15 Speech Language Pathology Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas offers a robust and highly regarded landscape for speech-language pathology education, with programs that consistently rank among the best in the nation. The state’s SLP programs are graduate-level, typically offering a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA) degree that is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

These programs prepare students for rewarding careers as speech-language pathologists, a field with strong job growth and competitive salaries, with the median annual wage for SLPs in Texas around $89,450, and even higher in cities like San Antonio and Houston .

Top 15 Speech-Language Pathology Schools In Texas

1. Texas Woman’s University (Denton, Dallas, Houston)

Texas Woman’s University offers one of the largest and most respected speech-language pathology programs in Texas, ranked #2 in the state by SpeechPathology.org. The program was also ranked in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Programs edition. TWU is one of the largest producers of SLPs in Texas and offers one of the largest distance programs for speech-language pathologists in the country, a unique partnership with the Texas Education Agency and Education Service Centers designed to increase the number of SLPs in Texas public schools.

TWU also offers post-baccalaureate certificates in bilingual speech-language pathology and deaf and hard of hearing, preparing students for specialized practice. The program provides experiential learning through on-campus clinics in Denton and Dallas.

2. The University of Texas at Austin (Austin)

UT Austin leads the state in graduate earnings for speech-language pathology graduates, with alumni earning a median of $75,121 while maintaining a perfect 100th percentile mobility score, demonstrating its commitment to advancing students from all backgrounds.

The program serves a significant number of Pell Grant recipients and first-generation students, with 57% of graduates pursuing further education . UT Austin’s SLP program combines rigorous academic training with excellent career outcomes for graduates.

3. Texas Christian University (Fort Worth)

TCU offers a respected SLP program with graduates earning a median of $68,424 and a strong 73rd percentile mobility score, indicating effective support for students from low-income backgrounds . The program ranks among the best in Texas, and 73% of graduates pursue further education. TCU provides excellent academic and clinical training in a private university setting, and its location in Fort Worth offers diverse clinical placement opportunities.

4. The University of Texas at Dallas (Richardson)

UT Dallas’s SLP program is a top-ranked program with graduates earning a median of $68,227 and a 97th percentile mobility score. The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program is accredited by the CAA and requires a minimum of 48 semester credit hours.

The program is based at the UT Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders, adjacent to UT Southwestern Medical Center, and offers a wide range of on- and off-campus clinical, educational, and medical settings . Admission requires GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, with fall, spring, and summer start dates available. The Callier Center frequently hires graduate clinicians and research assistants, providing paid experience alongside coursework.

5. Texas State University (San Marcos)

Texas State University offers a Master of Science in Communication Disorders (MSCD) and a Master of Arts (MA) in Communication Disorders that are clinically oriented and designed to prepare clinicians for employment in hospitals, clinics, private practice, and public schools. The programs are accredited by the CAA and meet the requirements for state licensure and ASHA certification.

The program includes a robust clinical practicum component, with students completing both on- and off-campus placements in various Central Texas facilities, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. Admission is competitive, and completion of background coursework is required for those without an undergraduate degree in communication disorders.

6. University of North Texas (Denton)

UNT offers a Master of Science in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology that is a two-year, on-campus program combining 39 classroom hours with 17 clinical training hours to prepare students for professional licensure and certification. The program is designed for aspiring clinicians and develops clinical expertise for roles in medical and educational settings. UNT is known for its strong undergraduate and graduate programs in speech-language pathology and is home to one of the top music colleges in the country, making it a unique option for students interested in integrating the arts with healthcare.

7. Baylor University (Waco)

Baylor University’s Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is one of the oldest and most distinguished SLP programs in Texas, with a tradition spanning over 50 years. The accelerated program can be completed in four semesters and boasts an impressive 99% placement rate for recent graduates. The program is ranked among the top 5 SLP programs in Texas and has an average Praxis exam pass rate of 96% . Baylor’s CSD program integrates its Christian mission, shaping students’ academic and ethical development to lead with integrity.

8. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Lubbock)

Texas Tech HSC is a top performer for return on investment, with graduates earning a median of $92,348 while carrying a modest median debt of $12,268, resulting in an excellent earnings-to-debt ratio . The program is held in high esteem and is accredited by the CAA . Students benefit from rigorous clinical and academic training in a comprehensive health science center environment that prepares them for licensure and certification.

9. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (San Antonio)

UT Health San Antonio offers a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology with a unique curriculum that combines community-based clinical training with a medical focus. The two-year, full-time residential program includes five semesters of study and is designed for students seeking careers in medical settings . Located in a major health science center, the program provides access to diverse clinical opportunities and interprofessional training environments.

10. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (Edinburg)

UTRGV offers a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders that serves the Rio Grande Valley region, one of the most medically underserved areas in the country. The two-year program provides training for students committed to addressing the communication needs of diverse populations in the border region. The program offers a unique clinical experience with a focus on serving bilingual and culturally diverse communities.

11. Abilene Christian University (Abilene)

ACU offers a nationally recognized two-year Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program with competitive admission and exceptional outcomes. The program offers a strong foundation in the field within a Christian university environment and has an active fine arts program with choir opportunities open to both music and non-music majors. The early application deadline is November 1.

12. Lamar University (Beaumont)

Lamar University offers a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology that is committed to preparing competent and compassionate clinicians, motivated scholars, and ethical professionals for entry into the field. The program also offers an annual scholarship of $1,000 to SLP graduate students . Lamar’s program serves the Southeast Texas region and provides clinical experiences in diverse settings.

13. Texas A&M University-Kingsville (Kingsville)

Texas A&M-Kingsville offers a clinically focused, two-year Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders that prepares students for state licensure and professional certification as speech-language pathologists through rigorous academic study and extensive practical training. The program serves a significant number of Pell Grant recipients, with 55% of students coming from families earning under $60,000, while still producing graduates earning a median of $51,450.

14. University of Texas at El Paso (El Paso)

UTEP offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology that prepares students to address the communication needs of culturally and linguistically diverse populations . Located in the border region, the program offers unique clinical experiences in a binational community setting. The program serves the El Paso and West Texas region with a focus on bilingual and bicultural training.

15. West Texas A&M University (Canyon)

WTAMU offers a Master’s in Communication Disorders that is designed to develop competent, professional practitioners prepared to work with other disciplines and make contributions to the field of speech-language pathology. The program serves the Texas Panhandle region and provides comprehensive training in diagnostic and therapeutic skills. Graduates earn a median of $50,741, and the program demonstrates strong social mobility outcomes.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Choosing an SLP School

Start by verifying that the program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of ASHA, as this is essential for state licensure and ASHA certification.

Consider the program format and your current commitments; TWU offers a unique distance program designed for students committed to working in Texas public schools, while UT Health San Antonio offers a medical-focused residential program.

Evaluate each program’s clinical training opportunities and specialty areas; UT Dallas offers clinical placements at the Callier Center for Communication Disorders, and TWU offers post-baccalaureate certificates in bilingual SLP and deaf and hard of hearing.

Check application deadlines carefully; ACU has an early November 1 deadline , while Texas State requires a January 31 deadline for fall admission.

Research financial aid options, including graduate assistantships at UT Dallas and scholarships at Lamar University.

Finally, consider your career goals and preferred patient population; programs like UTRGV focus on serving bilingual and culturally diverse communities in underserved regions.

Closing

Texas offers a comprehensive and diverse selection of speech-language pathology schools, from top-ranked programs at TWU and UT Austin to specialized options at UT Health San Antonio and UTRGV. With strong graduate earnings, excellent clinical training opportunities, and flexible program formats, these schools prepare students for successful and rewarding careers as speech-language pathologists. Note that all information, including rankings and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school and through official sources like ASHA.