UM or NOVA SLP Undergrad

[u/_KINGLOUISXIV_]

Hi everyone, I could really use some advice because I’m stuck between two very different options.

I’m deciding between Nova Southeastern University and the University of Miami as a first year undergraduate student. At Nova, I was accepted into as a Speech-Language Pathology major and also got into their dual admission program, which basically reserves me a spot in their master’s program if I stay there for undergrad. On top of that, they offer a 20% discount on the master’s tuition if I complete my bachelor’s with them, so it feels like a very direct and secure path into becoming an SLP. However, UM doesn’t offer SLP as an undergrad major, so I would have to major in something like psychology or special education and then apply to grad school later. That said, UM has a lot of things I really like, including strong research opportunities, a French program (which I’m really interested in), a good law program in case I want to explore that, and a study abroad program I could basically attend for free, plus overall better school spirit and campus life. The biggest factor is cost—at UM, I would actually be getting refunded each year, while at Nova I would have to pay (not a lot, but still more).

I’m pretty set on becoming a speech-language pathologist, but I also like having the flexibility to explore other interests in case that ever does change. I’m torn between the guaranteed path at NOVA versus the lower cost and broader opportunities at UM, so I’d really appreciate any advice on what you would do in my situation.