<p>Hi, I am planning on attending ASU this upcoming semester to complete my B.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences. I have all my classes lined up but the only thing holding me back from actually attending is the tuition. I will be an out of state student, so I'll be looking at around 27000 in loans that I'll have to take out for this year alone. And although next year I'll be considered a dependent student and probably qualify for some grants and federal loans, I'll still most likely have to take out another 20000. So, just for my undergrad I'll be looking at around 47000 in debt (I will get a job while in school though, to pay off the intrest so it doesn't build up). And then I'd like to eventually pursue grad school, and that would be even more money. So I guess my question is how much debt is too much for an undergrad degree in SHS? MS in SLP? I've looked into all the calculators and starting incomes for the professions (which is 40-50K for a SLPA and 60k+ for a SLP), but I'd just like to hear some opinions. Thanks.</p>
<p>I would consider this debt manageable if there is a reasonable demand at entry level in the field, if your program offers internships and/or has a good placement rate, if your college GPA is high, and if you don’t mind the thought of $500-600/month payments for 10 years. Are employers likely to help fund graduate studies in this field?</p>
<p>To the OP…I am a speech pathologist. There is no “eventually” to your need for a masters degree. It is required for initial certification and licensure in MOST states in order for you to be a speech pathologist. It is absolutely required if you want to receive your Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association…and this IS something you should want to have as a practicing speech pathologist. So to answer the above post…it is highly unlikely that an employer is going to fund this grad work as the grad degree is likely REQUIRED for initial employment. There IS a demand for speech pathologists and you will likely get a job AFTER you get your masters (oh…this will take you two additional years of schooling). Your entry level salary will depend on the location of your job. Speech paths can work in public schools, clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and in private practice. I will say, however, that the debt you are talking about will be staggering regardless of which job site you have. The jobs are plentiful, and the pay does improve rather well in all cases, but as an entry level person, you will likely not be making more than $50,000 a year unless you are living in a VERY expensive part of the country. If you work in the public schools, your salary (even in expensive parts of the country…I know…I live in one) will start in the $40,000 range. </p>
<p>It’s a little late (it’s August) to be trying to come up with a “plan B” for this. How did you “think” your tuition was going to be paid? </p>
<p>I do think the debt you are talking about is too much. If you had asked me when you were applying, I would have told you to get your undergrad degree at your INSTATE university offering this program, and your GRAD degree at the more pricey place. But it’s too late for that.</p>
<p>If you don’t mind the idea of having a day job and doing some hourly work in addition, I suppose you’d be able to manage your debt.</p>
<p>I have to ask…where did you get those salary figures in your post…the $40-50K for a SLPA and $60K for SLP…? Were those quoted as STARTING salaries??</p>