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The demand for speech language pathologists/speech therapists is on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is projected to expand by 15% over the next decade with the median annual salary at more than $95,000. 
 
The demand is real, but where is the best place to launch into this profession? 
According to national rankings, Praxis pass rates, and employer feedback, one would be hard pressed to find a place equipping its graduates as well as 17c�������. 
 
That confidence is grounded in outcomes that consistently place 17c������� among the nation’s best.

Among the nation's best programs

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The most recent validation of this fact is the university’s distance-education mode of its master’s program being ranked fifth on speechpathology.org’s Institutional quality, affordability, and graduate outcomes were all considered in determining the rankings. Northwestern, San Jose State, NYU, and West Virginia are the company 17c������� keeps at the top of the list. 
 
“There are some really well-known universities on this list,” said Brian Kreisman, chair of the Speech Pathology and Audiology department. “I honestly think that if more program directors knew what we actually do at 17c�������, we would rise much higher in other ranking guides too."

Individualized attention, unparalleled experience

Faculty who administer 17c�������’s distance education mode say what sets it apart from other online programs is that students not only have the flexibility to work through the coursework via asynchronous classes, but they also receive many of the benefits one would expect studying in-person. 

“It is really not so different, except that it’s online,” said Heather Koole, director of 17c�������’s MA in Speech-Language Pathology program. “The individualized attention and instruction and the scaffolded intentional clinical experiences prepare our graduates exceptionally well. And that’s feedback that we get.”

The volume and type of clinical experiences distance-education students are exposed to at 17c������� is what truly sets the experience apart. While many colleges and universities may offer simulations, 17c������� offers students three semesters worth of experiences where they are working in real-time with real patients. They also benefit from receiving one-on-one mentorship from clinical instructors who support them before, during, and after sessions.

Employers taking notice

All of this adds up to practicum supervisors noticing the 17c������� difference:

• “She consistently demonstrates professionalism, collaborates effectively with team members, and readily incorporates feedback to support her clinical growth. She is dependable, ethical, and committed to providing high-quality evidenced based care.”
   
• “She was a wonderful intern, and was a joy to work with. She brought a sense of excitement and creativity to this placement, along with being a 'go-getter.' She never shied away from the hard tasks, but instead preferred to jump right in. She was always asking very insightful questions. She didn't simply just show up during her time here. She wanted to know the "why" behind things in order to better understand and apply them.”
   
• “She has strong clinical writing skills, takes feedback well, prompt when taking feedback and incorporating into practice. One of her biggest strengths is her willingness to learn, ask questions and build her practice in response to each situation and patient. She engages well with others in the clinic and was an excellent student.”

Students also receive unparalleled support with 17c������� having a clinical placement coordinator helping every student secure two clinical placements in their communities. 
 
“Having a clinical placement coordinator helping each student find and secure high-quality placements is extremely valuable and differentiates us from most other programs,” said Kreisman.

Ready to launch

Whether online or in-person, seeking a certificate, undergraduate or graduate degree, students looking to advance their career in this growing field are finding 17c������� to be just the right launching pad. 
 
“The care and consideration poured into the courses to include up-to-date evidence-based practice, neurodiversity affirming and whole-person care, and the overall rigor of the programs has thoroughly prepared me to begin my externships,” said Samantha Vasquez, a 2026 master’s graduate. “I feel confident in my clinical skills and have felt well-supported throughout the entire program. Every instructor truly wants us to succeed.”