Speech-Language Pathology Degree in Tulsa, OK — Salary & ROI 2026
Speech-Language Pathology degree analysis for Tulsa, OK. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$42K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$63K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
5.4 yrs
in Tulsa
Cost of Living
84
index (100 = avg)
Speech-Language Pathology in Tulsa, OK Overview
Tulsa, Oklahoma (pop. 413,066) has 15 colleges offering Speech-Language Pathology programs. The local cost of living index of 84 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $1,113/month. Speech-Language Pathology has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Speech Assessment and Language Therapy skills. The adjusted starting salary in Tulsa is approximately $42,000.
Category
Healthcare
Local Colleges
15
Public Tuition
$6,582/yr
Private Tuition
$38,753/yr
Room & Board
$10,330/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$7,592/yr
Unemployment
4.1%
Graduation Rate
64%
Speech-Language Pathology Salary in Tulsa (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Tulsa's cost of living index of 84 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Speech-Language Pathology salary: $50,000 starting, $75,000 mid-career, $88,000 senior level.Tulsa adjustment factor: 0.84x based on the local cost of living index.
Speech-Language Pathology ROI Calculator for Tulsa
Estimate your return on investment for a Speech-Language Pathology degree using local Tulsa tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $6,582 | Private avg: $38,753
Tulsa avg aid: $7,592/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$67,648
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$12,600
vs HS diploma in Tulsa
ROI Payback Period
5.4 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Tulsa
$335,552
Lifetime earnings premium ($403,200) minus total education cost ($67,648)
Student Loan Payoff for Speech-Language Pathology in Tulsa
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Tulsa for Speech-Language Pathology
University of Tulsa
private
$44,726/yr
$178,904 total
Oral Roberts University
private
$32,780/yr
$131,120 total
Oklahoma State University-Tulsa
public
$6,582/yr
$26,328 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Tulsa Community College
$3,558/yr
Top Employers for Speech-Language Pathology in Tulsa
Tulsa offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Speech-Language Pathology graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Tulsa Hiring Sectors for Healthcare
Hospitals
Medical centers
Private practices
Health systems
Pharma companies
Common Speech-Language Pathology Job Titles
Speech-Language Pathology in Nearby Oklahoma Cities
Oklahoma City, OK
$49K starting · COL 97
37 colleges
Norman, OK
$43K starting · COL 86
10 colleges
Broken Arrow, OK
$46K starting · COL 91.8
5 colleges
Edmond, OK
$48K starting · COL 95.2
4 colleges
Lawton, OK
$41K starting · COL 82.5
4 colleges
Moore, OK
$45K starting · COL 89.3
3 colleges
Midwest City, OK
$46K starting · COL 91.1
3 colleges
Stillwater, OK
$44K starting · COL 87.3
3 colleges
Other Healthcare Majors in Tulsa
Pharmacy
$42K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Health Informatics
$42K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Nursing
$57K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Healthcare Administration
$42K starting · 4 yr ROI
Occupational Therapy
$42K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Dental Hygiene
$42K starting · 3 yr ROI
Public Health
$42K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Radiologic Technology
$42K starting · 3 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Speech-Language Pathology degree outcomes in Tulsa, OK: 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 Oklahoma.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Tulsa 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 Tulsa Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Oklahoma 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:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Oklahoma programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "oklahoma higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
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 Tulsa — 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 Tulsa.