oceangirl389

Considering speech path grad programs are only 2 year programs, I think it would be best to stick it out just for practical reasons...do any schools take transfers? i totally understand where you're coming from though, i'm starting my first year of the master's program at pitt with no funding this fall and the amount i'll be spending is quite daunting (although I am in-state, thankfully).

Thank you all for your kind words. Luckily I am a PA resident, which made Pitt the most affordable option. Tuition alone is about 22K, but Cost of Attendance is what you end up taking out loans for (unless you're lucky enough to have parents that will front the additional 18K they estimate you'll need for books, rent, transport, etc.). My parents were a huge help with my undergrad, I've been very blessed with that. Like you said, bjlowe, it seems like everyone else is in the same boat, and thankfully I have a pretty strong outlook as far as job security goes. It really is ridiculous how much it costs to get a good education these days.

thank you, those are helpful sites! (although neither of those links went to a specific page)

I recently graduated with my B.S. in Communicative Disorders & Sciences. In this field (Speech Language Pathology/ SLP) you have to get a Master's degree in order to practice. The job placement rates average 95-100% within 6 months of graduation, and many I know have offers before they graduate. I applied to 6 schools, was accepted to 5-- Pitt, UConn, GW, JMU & West Chester (PA). I received no funding offers (every school said this was the most competitive year they've ever seen...I have a 3.7 GPA, TA & research experience, 1260 GRE). GW was my top choice, but it's crazy expensive, as are UConn & JMU for out-of-staters. Pitt is ranked #8 in the field, and is outstanding as far as resources and clinical oppotunities. West Chester is ranked #144 and their program was recently under national accreditation review for it's program being too lenient. So the choice seems like a no-brainer, go to Pitt. But the catch is, Cost of Attendance is $40,000 a year for two years, plus $13,000 for the summer. That's $93,000 to cover tuition, books, fees, housing, everything for two years. Average starting salary is $58,000 for SLP in health care setting. I already have 25K in loans for undergrad, and I'm terrified that I'm going to be drowning in this debt once I graduate. I know there is some loan forgiveness through employers, but do I have any other options before then? I'm very good at budgeting and saving my money, but I'm feeling overwhelmed just thinking about this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

amberwaves, I accepted Pitt's offer for the MA-SLP program. Will you be attending as well??