https://m.facebook.com/groups/402035533241241- very active group for SLPs working in the school setting. I've been on the group for ~1 year, and have seen the highs and lows of daily life as a school SLP.
SLP.reddit.com - another great resource for SLPs working in a variety of settings.
There's also a speech reads book club on goodreads with some interesting books that are to be discussed!
At least you're not in SF where the cost is much higher!
Hayward is a bit cheaper than the bigger cities, but if you move farther south or east, then you'll find even less expensive areas. Depends on how much you want to commute.
Sac State is the most responsive, as I have talked to the director of the program twice over the phone. Chico is pretty good about responding to emails too. Never contacted fresno.
Are you in or out of field? If the latter, only sac will take you, and that's for their second bachelor program.
I know CSUEB has problems with getting required undergrad classes as a grad student, but I haven't heard the same for SJSU. That alone is a reason for me to choose SJSU.
In addition to the class problem, the admissions representatives told me that with my GPA, I would be a much more competitive applicant if I took a Postbac year and earned a 4.0 in those courses. Hence, I didn't think I would get in this time around.
They didn't say much about clinical placements, but they have a lot in-house. In addition, you're in the heart of one of the most popular regions of CA. I doubt opportunities are hard to come by.