What is the starting salary for Speech-Language Pathology graduates in Baltimore?

The estimated starting salary for Speech-Language Pathology graduates in Baltimore, MD is $65,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 130. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Baltimore are 30% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Speech-Language Pathology degree worth it in Baltimore?

A Speech-Language Pathology degree in Baltimore has an estimated ROI payback period of 6.9 years, with a projected lifetime return of $488,636 after subtracting education costs. With 22 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $12,096/year, Baltimore offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 6.3% and the major's national unemployment rate of 1.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Speech-Language Pathology in Baltimore?

The average annual public university tuition in Baltimore is $12,096, while private universities average $56,325/year. Including room and board ($21,745/year), total 4-year costs range from $135,364 at a public school to $312,280 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Baltimore is $8,793/year.

What jobs can Speech-Language Pathology graduates get in Baltimore?

Speech-Language Pathology graduates in Baltimore can pursue careers as Speech-Language Pathologist, Speech Therapist, Clinical Fellow. Key skills valued by local employers include Speech Assessment, Language Therapy, Swallowing Disorders, Articulation. The Baltimore job market features Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Schools, Hospitals, Rehab Centers.

How long to pay off student loans for Speech-Language Pathology in Baltimore?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Speech-Language Pathology graduates in Baltimore would pay $1,537/month on an estimated $135,364 in loans, with $49,080 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,649/month but save $25,531 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $65,000, monthly payments would represent 28% of gross monthly income.

Speech-Language Pathology Degree in Baltimore, MD — Salary & ROI 2026

Speech-Language Pathology degree analysis for Baltimore, MD. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$65K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$98K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.9 yrs

in Baltimore

Cost of Living

130

index (100 = avg)

Speech-Language Pathology in Baltimore, MD Overview

Baltimore is one of Maryland's top college towns, with 22 institutions and a student population of 30,415. Public tuition averages $12,096/year here — near the national average for public universities. Speech-Language Pathology has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Speech Assessment and Language Therapy skills. The adjusted starting salary in Baltimore is approximately $65,000.

Speech-Language Pathology Salary in Baltimore (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Baltimore's cost of living index of 130 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$65,000(+$15,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$97,500(+$22,500 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$114,400(+$26,400 vs national)

Note: National average Speech-Language Pathology salary: $50,000 starting, $75,000 mid-career, $88,000 senior level.Baltimore adjustment factor: 1.30x based on the local cost of living index.

Speech-Language Pathology ROI Calculator for Baltimore

Estimate your return on investment for a Speech-Language Pathology degree using local Baltimore tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $12,096 | Private avg: $56,325

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Baltimore avg aid: $8,793/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$135,364

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$19,500

vs HS diploma in Baltimore

ROI Payback Period

6.9 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Baltimore

$488,636

Lifetime earnings premium ($624,000) minus total education cost ($135,364)

Student Loan Payoff for Speech-Language Pathology in Baltimore

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$135,364

Monthly Payment$1,537

Total Interest$49,080

% of Monthly Income28%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$135,364

Monthly Payment$2,649

Total Interest$23,549

Interest Savings$25,531

Colleges in Baltimore for Speech-Language Pathology

Johns Hopkins University

private

$60,480/yr

$241,920 total

University of Maryland, Baltimore County

public

$12,096/yr

$48,384 total

Loyola University Maryland

private

$52,170/yr

$208,680 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Baltimore City Community College

$3,768/yr

Top Employers for Speech-Language Pathology in Baltimore

Baltimore offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Speech-Language Pathology graduates. National top employers in this field include:

SchoolsHospitalsRehab CentersPrivate PracticeHome Health Agencies

Key Baltimore Hiring Sectors for Healthcare

Hospitals

Medical centers

Private practices

Health systems

Pharma companies

Common Speech-Language Pathology Job Titles

Speech-Language PathologistSpeech TherapistClinical Fellow

Speech-Language Pathology in Nearby Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD

$64K starting · COL 127.2

4 colleges

Silver Spring, MD

$61K starting · COL 122.5

4 colleges

Frederick, MD

$56K starting · COL 112.5

4 colleges

Waldorf, MD

$60K starting · COL 120.7

4 colleges

Ellicott City, MD

$57K starting · COL 114.2

3 colleges

Glen Burnie, MD

$54K starting · COL 108.8

3 colleges

Rockville, MD

$64K starting · COL 128.5

3 colleges

Bethesda, MD

$58K starting · COL 116.7

3 colleges

Other Healthcare Majors in Baltimore

Pharmacy

$65K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Health Informatics

$65K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Nursing

$88K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Healthcare Administration

$65K starting · 4 yr ROI

Occupational Therapy

$65K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Dental Hygiene

$65K starting · 3 yr ROI

Public Health

$65K starting · 5.2 yr ROI

Radiologic Technology

$65K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Speech-Language Pathology degree outcomes in Baltimore, MD: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Speech-Language Pathology programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Maryland.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Baltimore using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Speech-Language Pathology graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Speech-Language Pathology career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Speech-Language Pathology grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Baltimore Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Maryland students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Maryland)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Maryland programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "maryland higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Speech-Language Pathology Degree in Baltimore — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Speech-Language Pathology ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Baltimore.

Speech-Language Pathology Overview Colleges in Baltimore All Majors

Speech-Language Pathology Degree in Baltimore, MD — Salary & ROI 2026

Speech-Language Pathology in Baltimore, MD Overview

Speech-Language Pathology Salary in Baltimore (COL-Adjusted)

Speech-Language Pathology ROI Calculator for Baltimore

Student Loan Payoff for Speech-Language Pathology in Baltimore

Standard Plan (10 years)

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Colleges in Baltimore for Speech-Language Pathology

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Top Employers for Speech-Language Pathology in Baltimore

Key Baltimore Hiring Sectors for Healthcare

Common Speech-Language Pathology Job Titles

Speech-Language Pathology in Nearby Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD

Silver Spring, MD

Frederick, MD

Waldorf, MD

Ellicott City, MD

Glen Burnie, MD

Rockville, MD

Bethesda, MD

Other Healthcare Majors in Baltimore

Pharmacy

Health Informatics

Nursing

Healthcare Administration

Occupational Therapy

Dental Hygiene

Public Health

Radiologic Technology

Methodology & Education Data Sources

Financial Aid Resources for Baltimore Students

Speech-Language Pathology Degree in Baltimore — FAQ

Explore More

Frequently Asked Questions

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