I have research experience and currently work as a bilingual SLPA. I was denied from 8 schools and accepted into one online program with a 88k tuition and that’s with a scholarship. What should I do?
Hi everyone, I’m a huge fan of this show and I’m looking for some advice. I’m currently almost done with Baby Step #3, but honestly I don’t feel very structured or like I’m doing it well. My current job doesn’t offer benefits aside from PTO, so I currently don’t have a 401(k).
I just turned 28 and currently live at home rent-free because my original plan was to start grad school. However, after looking at the cost and the amount of loans I would need to take out, I decided not to move forward with it right now.
I feel really stuck because I want to make a living doing what I love, but with the debt-to-income ratio in Florida, it just doesn’t feel financially worth it anymore.
SLPA Income
Gross yearly income: $46,000/22hr
Current Monthly Expenses
Car insurance: $100
Food/groceries: $200 (although sometimes I can bring it down to only 100 since I live at home)
Health insurance: $40/month
Vision insurance: $11 (no dental)
Leisure/fun: $250
Gym:$45
Speech Language Pathologist School Cost
Tuition/program cost: ~$88,000 (realistically might be more if I don’t cash flow the 2 years school and one year clinical fellowship)
ASHAS salary survey for my area:
Entry level (CFY / 0–2 years): ~$78,000–$85,000/year
Typical mid-career (2–5 years): ~$85,000–$95,000/year
Experienced SLP (5–10+ years): ~$95,000–$105,000+
What’s your salary/hourly pay and benefits like? Also, what region and state are you in? And if you don’t mind sharing, how much did your degree cost compared to what you’re earning now? Just asking for personal research 😊 IS IT WORTH IT??!
I’m dealing with a bit of a dilemma and could really use some guidance. I’m currently working as an SLPA in Tampa, making $22/hour, and commuting about 31 miles each way (62 miles total daily). I’ve noticed that similar SLPA positions closer to me are paying between $25–$32/hour, and I’m also bilingual, which I know adds value.
I recently applied to graduate school and was only accepted into 1 out of 8 programs (Yeshiva University in NYC). The issue is that it is very expensive online program—even after receiving a scholarship, tuition would still be around $77,000. I currently have about $10,000 saved, and I’m actively looking for a higher-paying SLPA job. I’m also considering picking up a second job using my CNA license to help offset future loan payments.
Right now, I’m trying to decide between a few options:
Should I attend this program part-time or full-time?
Should I wait, improve my application, and reapply to more affordable programs?
Or should I move forward with this program and commit to paying off the debt as aggressively as possible?
For context, my cumulative GPA is 2.99, and I’ve already had nova decline my application because of it. On the plus side, the program I got into is online, I live at home (so I don’t pay rent), and my dad has offered to help financially (around $10,000).
I feel really stuck, I don’t want to take on that level of debt, but I also don’t want to miss my opportunity to move forward in my career. I’d really appreciate any advice or perspective.