Speechpathology.org recently named Calvin University’s Online MSLP program fifth in the nation.
As the demand for speech therapists and speech language pathologists continues to rise across America, Calvin University has been working to fill that need. Recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that the industry is expected to grow by 15% over the next ten years, and the workers entering the field should see an annual salary of over $95,000 a year.
According to employer feedback, Praxis pass rates, and national rankings, Calvin University consistently finds itself among the top higher education institutions when it comes to preparing students to enter this field.
Calving has been highly ranked in various rankings such as by SpeechPathologyGraduatePrograms.org and others.
Most recently, Calvin University's distance education option for its master’s program was ranked fifth on speechpathology.org’s “The Best Fully Online MSLP programs for 2026.” The ranking looked at graduate outcomes, affordability, and institutional quality when making its decision. Alongside Calvin University at the top of the list were, West Virginia University, NYU, San Jose State, and Northwestern University.
In an article posted on Calvin University’s website, chair of the Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, Brian Kreisman, was quoted about the ranking, saying, “There are some really well-known universities on this list. I honestly think that if more program directors knew what we actually do at Calvin, we would rise much higher in other ranking guides too."
Calvin’s distance education model is designed so that participating students have the opportunity to benefit from the flexibility offered through asynchronous classwork, but are also able to take advantage of many of the perks that come from in person study.
Heather Koole serves as the director of Calvin’s MA in Speech-Language Pathology program and spoke to this point, saying, “It is really not so different, except that it’s online. The individualized attention and instruction and the scaffolded intentional clinical experiences prepare our graduates exceptionally well. And that’s feedback that we get.”
The students who take part in the distance education model at Calvin University are exposed to a range of clinical experiences beyond what most online students are exposed to. Calvin offers students three semesters of clinical experiences working with real patients in real time via telehealth technology rather than the simulations other students are provided. This takes place over a five semester timeline. Students also receive one on one mentorship from Calvin’s clinical instructors who provide support at all stages of these clinical sessions.
This paradigm has allowed for practicum supervisors noticing the difference between students who attend Calvin University from other online students. These supervisors have noted a commitment to high-quality, ethical, and evidence-based care, along with a high level of dependability and professionalism from Calvin’s students. They have also noticed that students attending Calvin University are active learners who are eager to take initiative and receive feedback. Other positive qualities noted are a high level of collaboration and effective communication in clinical settings. Calvin students have been able to receive a high level of educational support thanks to Calvin’s clinical placement coordinator being very involved in the success and placement of those students.
Kreisman went on to note the importance of the placement coordinator, saying, “Having a clinical placement coordinator helping each student find and secure high-quality placements is extremely valuable and differentiates us from most other programs.”
Students have noted their satisfaction with the university, as well. Samantha Vazquez, a 2026 master’s graduate, spoke highly of the school, saying, “The care and consideration poured into the courses to include up-to-date evidence-based practice, neurodiversity affirming and whole-person care, and the overall rigor of the programs has thoroughly prepared me to begin my externships. I feel confident in my clinical skills and have felt well-supported throughout the entire program. Every instructor truly wants us to succeed.”
More information about all of the programs offered at Calvin University can be found at the school’s website.