schwastressed

@schmauds Although I can't give you specific answers about the schools you are deciding between, I was in the same predicament. I am wanting to go into the medical field (specifically with peds) - my ultimate dream job would be working in a children's hospital someday. I was deciding between my in-state school (URI) vs. the more medically focused/"prestigious" schools such as BU, Northeastern, and MGH. Since I wasn't offered any funding, all of those schools are about 100K in tuition and my in-state school is a third of that. I wasn't sure if getting into THAT much debt was worth it and if it could be justified by the experiences and the opportunities I would have. I follow a couple of SLP blogs (specifically SLPs who work in the medical pediatric sector), so,  I decided to email them and see if I could pick their brains. Every. single. one. emailed back saying, GO FOR THE MORE AFFORDABLE OPTION! One in particular (who has been on a couple of hiring teams) said that she NEVER looks at where a CF candidate went to school. She said "it is not so much where you went to grad school that makes you a fit for a job during an interview, as much as it is YOU……how you think and express yourself, your GPA, your references from clinical supervisors who speak to your problem-solving and critical reflective thinking, your personal attributes and how you have further educated yourself beyond grad school." Therefore, as much as I still believe BU, Northeastern and MGH are great programs, I can not bring myself to get into that much debt, especially after getting this advice from people who are working within the field. I have decided to attend my in-state school, and I am actually pretty excited about it. I really do not believe that my education is going to be subpar, and I definitely think I am going to get more than enough experience in order to pursue my dream job in the medical field.
Deciding between schools has probably been the most difficult part for me, so, I definitely understand your need to make sure that you are making the right decision. However, if SDSU gives you the opportunity to graduate debt-free, I think that's the option I would choose (especially if you take some of the money you would save by not going to UW to further educate yourself by taking CEUs etc.). With that being said, I really don't know much about either program and sometimes it does come down to more than just the cost - like the location, or if you felt one program was a better fit for you over the other. 
Anyways, I thought I would walk you through my thinking and explain why I decided the way I did - I hope it helps!      
Good luck deciding between the two.        

I'm probably going to overlap with some of the good advice that others have already given, but here are my two cents. I also came to SLP Land from outside the field, so I had to decide between doing a postbac and applying for 3 year masters programs. Initially, 3 year masters programs were the obvious choice, because they come with a guarantee of a masters degree. Very shortly after I started researching those programs, though, I fell in love with a guy who was geographically bound to Seattle. It seemed against "the rules of feminism" (thanks, Gretchen Wieners) to make such an important life choice for a man, no matter how strongly I felt about him. Also, I was 30, divorced, and had been around the block enough to know that not every relationship works out. I felt really torn. It eventually occurred to me that a postbac year would buy me time to see how things unfolded in my personal life, while also allowing me to gain research and volunteer experience (being a total newbie to the field). I reasoned that I'd only have MORE options with a CSD degree under my belt -- the postbac could improve my odds for the UW grad program (in order to stay in Seattle) OR I could apply anywhere else I wanted (including the 2 year versions of the 3 year programs I'd been considering). It seemed like the postbac was a low risk, potentially high reward option... so I chose it.
That said, I'm more than halfway through the postbac, and I can admit that there have been pros and cons. Here are a few I can think of right now:
PROS
1) I formed solid relationships with the faculty. Since I'd been out of school for 7 years and was coming from a totally different field, I wouldn't have had strong LORs without that component.
2) I got research experience that is only available to current students.
3) There were student loans available for at least part of the tuition expenses, vs. presumably paying out of pocket for online courses.
4) I got a solid foundation in CSD. Since I will have clinic clients in my very first semester of grad school this fall, I am super grateful for that. I probably wouldn't have felt prepared for the clinic without the coursework I've taken over the past year.
CONS
1) There is no guarantee of UW grad admission. They definitely give you more consideration as a postbac, but some members of my cohort were waitlisted or straight up not accepted, and that sucks. You only get 2 quarters (~6 months) before your grad application is due, so I felt like I had to be PERFECT the entire time. If you're Type A, it's a relatively competitive, high pressure situation. After I applied, I was stressed out of my mind waiting for my admissions decision. 
2) You'll end up paying for a lot of classes that most schools don't require, especially on the audiology/hearing side of things. Since postbacs pay per credit, it can be very frustrating to consider that you're stuck paying $1700 for a class that isn't required anywhere else, but is required for your degree.
3) It's expensive to be in school full time, and student loans will only cover $12,500 of the tuition cost. If I had known that before I enrolled, I may have decided to keep working and go the online postbac/prereq route. Then again, I would have had to pay everything out of pocket, so... Who knows. I guess my point is, a 3 year grad program may give you more funding options than the postbac does.
 
Regardless of the drawbacks, I'm really glad I did the postbac. I was accepted to the Core program, which means I can keep living with my incredible boyfriend (still head over heels!) here in the Emerald City. It also means in-state tuition, ongoing research opportunities, continued relationships with faculty members, and hopefully the opportunity to make connections that will lead to a future job in the city I intend to continue calling home. It's perfectly acceptable to consider your whole life when you're making a choice like this, and that includes your relationship. (I love love love that 'Lean In' tidbit that @schwastressed shared. I would have lost my mind without my boyfriend's support.)
TL;DR: Personally, I think the postbac is low risk. It will probably only make your application stronger, and it may give you time to see how your long distance relationship unfolds. BUT if the idea of applying for grad schools again next year is going to stress you out, or if you will be haunted by letting go of a sure thing now.... go with the sure thing. 

Who would have thought that the "Post-Bac vs. Master's Program?" thread would turn into one of the most romantic threads on the SLP forum?
I was in this position, as well, and quickly realized that the 3-year master's program was the best choice for me. SopranoSLP above has already identified the reason why: For post-bac programs, federal student loans are limited, and I would have had to take out private loans to cover the remainder of the cost. The reason this wouldn't have worked for me is because I have decided to repay my loans via the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, and only federal loans can be discharged at the end of the service period. Of course, everyone's situation is unique: Another person might use their savings to pay for their post-bac program, or have family to help support them during the program, so loans might be a non-issue for them.
But what I find most touching about all of these responses is the question of how much opportunity to sacrifice for love, or the possibility of love. I'm in my 30s, and agree wholeheartedly with schwastressed:
I laughed at SopranoSLP's "rules of feminism" comment -- and, granted, the gender dynamics are not quite as loaded in my situation, since I'm gay -- but I have often felt determination, as a woman, to prioritize my education and career, rather than automatically falling into patterns of self-sacrifice. Having said that, if I had a partner right now, or even a new romantic prospect that I had a good feeling about, she would weigh heavily in my decision-making. Obviously, I wouldn't want to turn down a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I'm sure that a truly supportive significant other wouldn't want that for me, either: As schwastressed wisely points out, the right partner ultimately makes it easier, not harder, for us to pursue our goals and become the people we want to be. But if I had two excellent choices in front of me, and one of them gave me room to explore/invest in what might become a lifelong love -- well, I want that for myself someday at least as much as I want a fulfilling professional life. Perhaps more.
In conclusion, congratulations on your acceptance to two outstanding programs! (I hope you've given yourself at least a few days to just bask in the glory of having to decide between the UW post-bac and the Iowa master's.) I don't think you should assume you were just getting lucky this year; I think that you are going to be successful no matter which path you take.

As a fellow out-of-field applicant, the post-bac program I did was my application's saving grace. I would highly recommend it if it matches your bigger picture grad school, career, and life goals. If your goal is to get into school now and move along your education and debt doesn't bother you too much, do the 3 year program. If your goal is to reapply to schools and open up more opportunities (either in more desirable locations, from "ranked" programs, or with funding), then do the post-bac. My goals were to pad up my pretty weak CSD resume, get into solid programs, and receive some funding opportunities. I was able to do just that, while working full-time and enjoying the perks of a work/life balance.
Ultimately, a post-bac's strength is that it provides you time... time to develop your resume, time to live life, time to learn about your interests in the field. However, this strength is also a post-bac's weakness... for every year you are spending away from grad school, you are one year further from working as an SLP. There isn't going to be a perfect situation, so you have to pick what's best for you. Below is my personal list of pros and cons from my experience working full-time for 2.5 years while taking post-bac classes part-time for 1.5 years (5 semesters).
Pros of doing my post-bac:
-- learned fundamental CSD material (i.e., it wasn't just a means to get me into school, but it also built up my academic foundation)
-- demonstrated my ability to do well in CSD classes (post-bac GPA 4.0)
-- improved my undergraduate GPA (3.38) to a more competitive overall GPA (3.48)
-- allowed me to work full-time as an RA in an aphasia lab, which not only gave me a salary with insurance and vacation benefits, but it also provided me hundreds of hours of hands-on patient testing experience plus solid LORs that could speak to very specific skills and achievements
-- I took $0 out of savings; I used my company's tuition benefit to pay for the program and some pocket money to pay for books
-- I did an online program, which meant I could do classes on my own time
-- I have life experience between undergrad and grad school... work/life balance is important, and these past 2.5 years being a city yuppie has been the perfect break between my Bachelor's and Master's to refine my life and career goals. I know I will cherish these post-college, city-yuppie years.
-- significantly improved my grad school application results... top programs, funding opportunities, and 7/8 acceptances. I have choices and I will probably graduate with no debt.
Cons:
-- added 3 years before I can actually be an SLP
-- added 3 years before I can make a more comfortable income; I managed to get by just fine with my RA salary, but not having to budget down to pennies will be nice in my future
-- it's a hustle; don't let the pro list fool you, if you're going to maximize the potential pros of a post-bac, you are going to have to work hard and use your time wisely. I was the only person in my friend group who was taking classes outside of work, so I had to be organized in planning my study schedule and also disciplined to decline certain social opportunities for the sake of getting As.  My friends understood and would even join me in coffeeshops and read beside me, but it also sucked to have to turn down certain things and stick my nose in a textbook for a Saturday afternoon. There were times when I would be tired from work and the last thing I wanted to do was write a homework assignment.
-- not quite sure if this is a con or not, but I will be one of the older people in my upcoming grad school cohort. I went to an interview day and felt very "old" compared to the other interviewees I met. In the big picture, I'm not that old, but I have aged away from college life. I will graduate at 28 years old as opposed to 25 years old.
Personal advice: 1) not getting in elsewhere... I think a post-bac will only help you; you were able to get into your two programs with your current resume so I don't think a post-bac will hurt your future applications; 2) your love life... If I were you and very seriously wanted to make your bf/gf a life partner, I would forgo or try to minimize the long-distance dating. Why don't you find a job, live by your partner, do an online post-bac program, then reapply to schools and open up your options to more than just these two? I met, dated, and will be marrying my fiance during these post-bac years. I would've rolled my eyes at these words a few years ago, but post-college life has taught me that companionship and love with the right person are valuable and worth it in good balance. In her book "Lean In," Sheryl Sandburg said her partnership with her husband has been a key factor in her successful career and her ability to balance work and family life. If you want to be with the person in CA, then make it happen. Practically, my husband will be able to pay for living expenses while I am in school, and once I graduate we are going to throw my first year's salary at his college debt. Partnership! He doesn't limit my career opportunities; he only supports them. If your love is a true life partner, then I would only recommend holding onto him/her. If not, there are other potential romances in this world, and I wouldn't build your career steps off of this person's location. Best of luck!

As a fellow out-of-field applicant, the post-bac program I did was my application's saving grace. I would highly recommend it if it matches your bigger picture grad school, career, and life goals. If your goal is to get into school now and move along your education and debt doesn't bother you too much, do the 3 year program. If your goal is to reapply to schools and open up more opportunities (either in more desirable locations, from "ranked" programs, or with funding), then do the post-bac. My goals were to pad up my pretty weak CSD resume, get into solid programs, and receive some funding opportunities. I was able to do just that, while working full-time and enjoying the perks of a work/life balance.
Ultimately, a post-bac's strength is that it provides you time... time to develop your resume, time to live life, time to learn about your interests in the field. However, this strength is also a post-bac's weakness... for every year you are spending away from grad school, you are one year further from working as an SLP. There isn't going to be a perfect situation, so you have to pick what's best for you. Below is my personal list of pros and cons from my experience working full-time for 2.5 years while taking post-bac classes part-time for 1.5 years (5 semesters).
Pros of doing my post-bac:
-- learned fundamental CSD material (i.e., it wasn't just a means to get me into school, but it also built up my academic foundation)
-- demonstrated my ability to do well in CSD classes (post-bac GPA 4.0)
-- improved my undergraduate GPA (3.38) to a more competitive overall GPA (3.48)
-- allowed me to work full-time as an RA in an aphasia lab, which not only gave me a salary with insurance and vacation benefits, but it also provided me hundreds of hours of hands-on patient testing experience plus solid LORs that could speak to very specific skills and achievements
-- I took $0 out of savings; I used my company's tuition benefit to pay for the program and some pocket money to pay for books
-- I did an online program, which meant I could do classes on my own time
-- I have life experience between undergrad and grad school... work/life balance is important, and these past 2.5 years being a city yuppie has been the perfect break between my Bachelor's and Master's to refine my life and career goals. I know I will cherish these post-college, city-yuppie years.
-- significantly improved my grad school application results... top programs, funding opportunities, and 7/8 acceptances. I have choices and I will probably graduate with no debt.
Cons:
-- added 3 years before I can actually be an SLP
-- added 3 years before I can make a more comfortable income; I managed to get by just fine with my RA salary, but not having to budget down to pennies will be nice in my future
-- it's a hustle; don't let the pro list fool you, if you're going to maximize the potential pros of a post-bac, you are going to have to work hard and use your time wisely. I was the only person in my friend group who was taking classes outside of work, so I had to be organized in planning my study schedule and also disciplined to decline certain social opportunities for the sake of getting As.  My friends understood and would even join me in coffeeshops and read beside me, but it also sucked to have to turn down certain things and stick my nose in a textbook for a Saturday afternoon. There were times when I would be tired from work and the last thing I wanted to do was write a homework assignment.
-- not quite sure if this is a con or not, but I will be one of the older people in my upcoming grad school cohort. I went to an interview day and felt very "old" compared to the other interviewees I met. In the big picture, I'm not that old, but I have aged away from college life. I will graduate at 28 years old as opposed to 25 years old.
Personal advice: 1) not getting in elsewhere... I think a post-bac will only help you; you were able to get into your two programs with your current resume so I don't think a post-bac will hurt your future applications; 2) your love life... If I were you and very seriously wanted to make your bf/gf a life partner, I would forgo or try to minimize the long-distance dating. Why don't you find a job, live by your partner, do an online post-bac program, then reapply to schools and open up your options to more than just these two? I met, dated, and will be marrying my fiance during these post-bac years. I would've rolled my eyes at these words a few years ago, but post-college life has taught me that companionship and love with the right person are valuable and worth it in good balance. In her book "Lean In," Sheryl Sandburg said her partnership with her husband has been a key factor in her successful career and her ability to balance work and family life. If you want to be with the person in CA, then make it happen. Practically, my husband will be able to pay for living expenses while I am in school, and once I graduate we are going to throw my first year's salary at his college debt. Partnership! He doesn't limit my career opportunities; he only supports them. If your love is a true life partner, then I would only recommend holding onto him/her. If not, there are other potential romances in this world, and I wouldn't build your career steps off of this person's location. Best of luck!

I love that question!
One thing is really think about if you would go to a school if you were accepted there. It sounds silly, but hear me out. 
When you´re applying, you´re a mixture of desperate and day-dreamy. You´re thinking, "I want to be an SLP so badly I´d do anything and move anywhere!" and you´re also thinking, "I´ll get a great job with a good salary after. I want to dream big" and you sort of throw pragmatism to the wind. SO, I applied to 6 schools that perfectly fit my profile. Two of them are private and crazy expensive. I knew the chance of getting financial aid would be pretty much zero. But while I was applying, I just told myself, "Get in first... pay for it later..." 
So, when I got my acceptances, and I really looked at the price tag I thought... there´s no way I´d be willing to accept this much debt. It was pointless applying there because $100,000 of debt was not acceptable to me. "Pay for it later" was a bad mentality that lead me to wasting around $200 in application fees plus paying to send 10 transcripts, and 2 GRE scores. So... about $300+ dollars total were wasted. I should have put that money towards schools I would have realistically considered attending. 
Hope that helps!