If you desire to pursue occupational therapy as a profession but have a limited budget, the cheapest occupational therapy schools in the US are a great option. These schools will not only suit your financial situation but will also offer excellent training with opportunities for community practice.
There are many affordable schools to study occupational therapy. Continue reading for a detailed list of the most affordable occupational therapy schools in the United States, as well as an overview of their degree programs, tuition fees, admission requirements, and graduation rates.
What Are the Most Affordable Occupational Therapy Schools in the US?
The top three most affordable occupational therapy schools are the University of Oklahoma, the University of Florida, and Eastern Kentucky University. Undergraduate students and graduate students will find that there are plenty of affordable options for core courses in occupational therapy at every degree level.
How Much Do the Cheapest Occupational Therapy Schools Cost?
The cheapest occupational therapy schools cost between $5,000 to $55,000 per year. The total cost of an occupational therapist program can be highly dependent on an individual’s financial situation, whether they are pursuing a part-time or full-time program, their geographic location, and whether they attend a private or public university.
Cheapest Occupational Therapy Schools Costs Breakdown
- Tuition. This is the direct cost of attending a school and is paid directly to the school bursar. Tuition fees can include program fees and can be paid per credit unit, quarter, semester, or year.
- Accommodation. Among the costs of studying occupational therapy is accommodation, or housing fees. These fees typically add thousands of dollars to the overall cost of attending a school of occupational therapy. However, certain schools permit students to live off-campus or with their parents, and others offer online programs.
- Books and supplies. This includes the cost of textbooks, notebooks, and stationeries needed for occupational therapy prerequisite courses. Textbook costs can be as low as $500 or as high as $1,500.
- Health insurance. Many US universities and occupational therapy schools require enrolled students to have health insurance, which is provided by the university for an extra fee.
- Transportation. Transportation costs are indirect costs that are dependent on the mode of transportation a student utilizes to get to and from classes every day, such as public transportation or personal car expenses.
Why You Should Attend an Occupational Therapy School
You should attend an occupational therapy school because of the flexibility it offers as well as the stability of the career field. New opportunities are opening constantly in the field, and occupational therapy is one of the best-paying jobs in healthcare.
As an occupational therapist, you can even create your niche within the required field experiences of your degree program, or open your practice after months of fieldwork.
Best Occupational Therapy School Career Options
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job rate of occupational therapists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Some of the career paths you can take after occupational therapy school include occupational therapist, vocational rehabilitation counselor, case manager, technical writer, and health services administrator positions. Many positions require occupational therapy candidates to have sufficient clinical experience and/or some international experience, and degree programs ensure students are prepared for the field.
Occupational Therapy Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of an occupational therapist in the US is $85,570 per year. This number represents the median average salary. The salary of an occupational therapist will depend on factors like their total years of handson experience, the company or practice they work for, and their geographic location.
Whether working in private practice or community practice, becoming an occupational therapist can be a very rewarding career path.
Can You Attend Occupational Therapy School for Free?
Yes, you can attend occupational therapy school for free, as some schools offer occupational therapy free online programs. There are also financial aid programs available for students pursuing occupational therapy degrees, such as the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant and the Federal Pell Grant.
Cheapest Occupational Therapy Schools That Won’t Break the Bank
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma | $5,220 | $21,985 | 76% |
| University of Florida | $6,381 | $28,659 | 91% |
| Florida International University | $6,565 | $18,963 | 67% |
| San Jose State University | $7,852 | $19,732 | 69% |
| Texas Woman’s University | $8,394 | $18,186 | 48% |
| Eastern Kentucky University | $9,752 | $20,024 | 48% |
| Ohio State University | $11,936 | $35,019 | 88% |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | $15,319 | $26,657 | 68% |
| Temple University | $17,378 | $30,602 | 75% |
| Mount Mary University | $32,760 | $32,760 | 51% |
What Are the Cheapest Occupational Therapy Schools? A Deep Dive
Paying for Occupational Therapy School With Financial Aid
The government, private institutions, and universities offer financial aid options to students in occupational therapy programs that make the degree process comfortable and affordable. Some of these financial aid options include federal grants, private loans, federal loans, a federal work-study program, fee waivers, as well as tuition reimbursement deferment.
Federal Grants
Federal grants refer to grants issued by the United States government to students who meet its requirements, while state grants are given by the state where the public institution is located.
Other types of federal grants include Federal Pell Grant, which is given only to students with exceptional monetary needs, and federal supplemental educational opportunity grants, which are given to students from certain schools.
Federal Loans
As a way of reducing costs, students can apply for federal loans which may or may not be subsidized. Student loans have lower interest rates, do not require a credit check, and repayment begins only after you have completed your degree.
Private Loans
This type of loan is issued by private bodies to students who meet their criteria. The types of private loans include parent loans, graduate school loans, and undergraduate school loans. Private loans are easy to get and can help out when students have reached their federal loan limit. However, they can pose a risk to a co-signer, and they also have higher interest rates.
Work-Study
This is a financial aid program provided by some universities, in which students are given opportunities to work on a part-time basis while at the same time pursuing their degree programs. Some will be paid for the employment, while others will have a certain percentage of their fees reduced.
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How to Apply for Federal Aid to Finance Your Occupational Therapy School Program
Applying for federal aid to finance your occupational therapy school program involves first creating an account, the FSA ID, and then filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, listing your desired schools, supplying financial information, and signing and submitting the form.
- Obtain the FAFSA form. FSA ID is a username and password needed to sign the FAFSA form online. It takes just a few minutes to create an FSA ID and it is important to note that this ID should not be shared.
- Complete the required information. Personal information such as your full name, date of birth, mailing address, and email is required here. Answers are to be supplied to the dependency status questions. Your parents’ or legal guardians’ information will also be required.
- List desired schools. In the next section, you’ll have to list all of the schools you plan on applying to. Schools that you are considering but have not yet applied to can be added as well.
- Supply financial information. In this section, parents and students are expected to fill in their financial information. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) can also be used to import financial details, thereby saving you paperwork stress.
- Sign and submit. This is the final stage in filing the FAFSA form. At this stage, the parents and applicant, if dependent, or the student must sign the form. This is much easier and faster if it is done online using the FSA ID.
Best Occupational Therapy Scholarships
- Occupational Therapy Association of Oregon | Amount: $1,000. The Occupational Therapy Association of Oregon offers scholarships every year to occupational therapy students. A separate application is required and the applicant must be from a specific school. It should be noted that only one slot is available each year and the deadline is the 27th of September.
- The Arc New York Arthur W Pense Scholarship| Amount: $3,000. New York residents who are enrolled in an occupational or physical therapy program are eligible for this scholarship, which is available annually.
- Lamber Goodnow Injury Lawyers Physical Therapist/Occupational Therapist Scholarship | Amount: $1,000. To be eligible for this annual scholarship, applicants must be enrolled or will be enrolled within the next year in a physical or occupational therapy program. Applicants must submit an essay that explains their interest in occupational or physical therapy as well as a transcript or proof of enrollment.
- DAR Occupational/Physical Therapy Scholarship | Amount: $2,000. This scholarship is available each year to students enrolled in or accepted to an accredited occupational program. The scholarship is awarded to two students and is based on financial need.
- HIE Help Center Scholarship for Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Students | Amount: $1,000. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 and must be working toward a speech, physical, or occupational therapy degree. Transcripts and an essay or creative writing sample are required and the application should be completed online. The deadline is the 24th of July.
Cheapest Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Schools
The cheapest undergraduate occupational therapy schools include Temple University, Houston Community College, Herzing University, Bristol Community College, and Casper College. Below are the cheapest associate and bachelor’s degree programs available to occupational therapy candidates.
Most Affordable Occupational Therapy Associate Degree Programs
- Maricopa Community College | Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Occupational Therapy Assistant | $85/credit (in-district); $472/credit (out of district); $250/credit (out of state). Under the direction and supervision of an occupational therapist, students are prepared to employ therapeutic techniques and procedures used by certified OT assistants.
- Herzing University | Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant | $625/credit. This curriculum provides students with theoretical knowledge as well as hands-on field experience. Students are trained by world-class faculty in occupational therapy concepts, as well as medical terminology, kinesiology, pediatrics, geriatrics, and assistive technology.
- Houston Community College | Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science | $6,344.50 (in-district); $10,864.50 (out of district); $12,957.50 (out of state). This therapy assistant program is a full-time program that teaches the use of technology in occupational therapy. Program graduates are prepared for a career in a clinical setting.
- Bristol Community College | Associate in Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant | $18,542 total (in-state); $33,580 total (out of state). The occupational therapy assistant program seeks to equip those seeking work as occupational therapy assistants with an accessible, high-quality educational program.
- Casper College | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate of Science | $17,454 total. This occupational therapy assistant program is taught by world-class faculty and aims to provide a creative, collaborative learning environment for OT assistant students.
Most Affordable Occupational Therapy Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- Temple University | Bachelor of Science in Health Professions | $20,184/year (in-state); $35,016/year (out of state). The Bachelor of Science in Health Professions at Temple University’s College of Public Health is open to students who want to work in a variety of health-related fields, such as athletic training, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
- University of Missouri | Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy | $439.80/credit (in-state); $1,072.30/credit (out of state). This is an entry-level degree that leads to direct professional health care employment or further education in OT. Coursework consists of theory, practice, and fieldwork for a comprehensive, hands-on experience.
- Concordia University Wisconsin | Accelerated OT Bachelor’s Degree | $559/credit. This accelerated hybrid program allows students to obtain their Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Occupational Therapy within four and a half years. The combined experience consists of four consecutive semesters of didactic coursework and two twelve-week fieldwork placements.
- University of Illinois Chicago | Bachelor of Science in Pre-Occupational Therapy | $5,388/semester (in-state); $12,563/semester (out of state). This pre-occupational therapy program aims to teach techniques such as mutual problem resolution, environmental modification, adaptive devices, technology, and biomechanical concepts as it prepares students to enter the field.
- University of Florida | Bachelor of Health Sciences and Doctor of Occupational Therapy Combined Degree | $212.71/credit (in-state); $955.28/credit (out of state). This dual degree program utilizes an interdisciplinary curriculum that balances theory, practice, and critical thinking that aims to prepare students for leadership positions in healthcare.
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Cheapest Graduate Schools for Occupational Therapy
The cheapest graduate occupational therapy schools include San Jose State University, the University of Oklahoma, and Mount Mary University. These schools are affordable in comparison to many OT schools, but keep in mind that master’s degree programs are often more expensive than bachelor’s degree programs. Continue reading below for a closer look at the featured programs they offer.
Most Affordable Schools for Master’s Degrees in Occupational Therapy
- Florida International University | Master of Science in Occupational Therapy | $52,405/year (in-state); $96,089/year (out of state). This occupational therapy program equips students with necessary clinical skills and comprehensive knowledge of OT through a curriculum that emphasizes cultural awareness, technology, collaborative work, and evidence-based practice.
- Mount Mary University | Master of Science in Occupational Therapy | $63,375 total. This 28-month program is designed to provide those with a bachelor’s degree with the information they need to advance in their careers. Students will complete an individual capstone project as well as practice experience.
- University of Oklahoma | Master of Occupational Therapy | $416.19/credit (in-state); $571.40/credit (out of state). This master’s program prepares students for roles in occupational therapy through an interdisciplinary curriculum that covers a broad range of topics, from rehabilitation sciences to neuroscience.
- Temple University | Master of Science of Occupational Therapy | $1,020/credit (in-state); $1,398/credit (out of state). This 80-credit full-time program can be completed in two and a half years and features an interdisciplinary learning structure that consists of fieldwork and community engagement, research, and theoretical coursework.
- San Jose State University | Master of Science in Occupational Therapy | $4,666.50/semester (in-state); $7,042.50/semester (out of state). This master’s degree program is open to bachelor’s degree holders interested in becoming OT professionals and features a study abroad experience that students can take advantage of.
Most Affordable PhDs in Occupational Therapy Universities
- University of Oklahoma | Doctor of Occupational Therapy | $356.70/credit (in-state); $984.30/credit (out of state). This OT doctorate provides students with experience in advanced clinical practice, administration, leadership, program creation, research, advocacy, and teaching. These classes and experiences prepare graduates for positions outside of the traditional healthcare system.
- Ohio State University | Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy | $29,977/year (in-state); $50,929/year (out of state). This doctoral program is taught by distinguished faculty that aims to equip students with critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making skills that will make them world-renowned leaders in the field of occupational therapy.
- Temple University | Doctorate of Occupational Therapy | $1,020/credit (in-state); $1,398/credit (out of state). This program teaches students how to best assess clients’ needs and create solutions that help them overcome dysfunction and attain independence, all while honing their clinical leadership and research-informed clinical practice skills.
- Texas Woman’s University | Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy | $5,052/year (in-state); $12,414/year (out of state). The PhD in Occupational Therapy is largely a research degree that prepares occupational therapists for advanced academic and clinical leadership positions.
- University of Florida | Doctor of Occupational Therapy | $62,463.53 total (in-state); $143,203.87 total (out of state). This program enhances students’ clinical knowledge and professional growth, leadership, and advocacy skills while allowing them to practice occupational therapy in a collaborative, evidence-based manner.
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How to Choose a Good and Affordable Occupational Therapy School
When deciding on the most suitable and affordable occupational therapy school, it’s important to compare and contrast a few critical factors among possible schools. These factors include the overall cost of education, the institution or program’s accreditation status, board exam pass rates, learning format, and average class sizes.
Cost
The overall costs of an OT program vary among occupational therapy schools and depend on key factors like whether it is a public or private university, whether you will pay in-state or out-of-state tuition, the location of the school, and the cost of living in the area. Be sure to budget and see what you can afford before choosing a school.
Institution Accreditation Status
To sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, you must have attended an accredited occupational therapy program. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a school that has been accredited by a relevant body to ensure that you are eligible to sit for the exam after you have obtained your degree.
Board Examination Pass Rates
Although a student’s effort is the major determining factor in passing an exam, the school and program itself have a lasting effect on students. An institution that is known for a low NBCOT pass rate may be running a relatively poor occupational therapy program, so it’s best to choose a school that has a high pass rate.
Tips for Saving Money While Attending Occupational Therapy School
- Apply for scholarships. Scholarships and grants go a long way to offset your occupational therapy school fees, so you may want to research the numerous scholarships that are available to students.
- Buy used textbooks. Choosing to buy used textbooks for your classes rather than brand new ones will save you significant money. Opting to buy used books can sometimes cost half the price or less of new ones.
- Opt for hybrid or online programs. Although this sometimes includes slightly extended programs with more online coursework, they afford you more time to work other jobs to help out with paying your bills.
- Live off-campus. Living on campus can cost thousands of extra dollars per semester, as room and board fees tend to be quite high. Choosing to live with family at home or in an inexpensive apartment off campus will likely cost significantly less than the dorms.
- Apply for friendly loans. Some university loans are available to grad students of occupational therapy programs. These loans provide you with flexible repayment options.
Cheapest Online Schools for Occupational Therapy
Some of the cheapest online schools with excellent online degrees for occupational therapy are detailed below. Studying online can be one of the most affordable and flexible ways to become an occupational therapy practitioner.
| School | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Purdue University Global | $371/credit | 29% |
| University of Cincinnati | $6,663/semester (in-state); $6,843/semester (out of state) | 73% |
| Arizona State University | $561-661/credit | 66% |
| Eastern Kentucky University | $675/credit | 48% |
| Belmont University | $47,700/year | 68% |
Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Bachelor’s Programs
- Purdue University Global | Bachelor of Science in Human Services | $371/credit. This BS program teaches students how to effectively advocate for patients’ needs by learning through a curriculum that utilizes a global awareness, evaluation skills practice, and systems management-based approach.
- Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences | $561-661/credit. This health sciences BS prepares students for an occupational therapy master’s program by equipping them with the foundational skills and knowledge of the healthcare system and clinical care methods.
- University of Cincinnati | Online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences – Pre-Occupational Therapy | $6,663/semester (in-state); $6,843/semester (out of state). This interdisciplinary program features core theoretical coursework in a broad range of topics as well as fieldwork and professional skills to effectively prepare students for entry-level positions and master’s OT programs.
Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Master’s Programs
- Trinity Washington University | Master of Occupational Therapy | $840/credit. This is a hybrid-online occupational therapy program accredited by ACOTE. Academic coursework is delivered in a flexible format including weekend and online options, and courses explore topics such as functional anatomy and kinesiology.
- Eastern Kentucky University | Occupational Therapy Online Master’s to OTD | $675/credit. The online master’s degree OTD program at EKU is intended for licensed occupational therapists who want to further their careers and learn leadership skills. It is open to those that have completed a master’s degree program.
- University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences | Master of Science in Occupational Therapy | $89,654 total. Coursework of this hybrid three-year program explores topics including clinical neuroscience, geriatrics, prosthetics, and human movement techniques.
- Belmont University | Master of Science in Occupational Therapy | $47,700/year. This graduate program requires that students attend a class every third weekend of the month, while the remaining coursework is delivered online. The curriculum is a healthy mix of lab, seminar, fieldwork, and theoretical courses.
- Elmhurst University | Master of Occupational Therapy | $1,150/credit. This program is taught in a hybrid learning format and can be completed in just two years. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative research work in the field and enjoys a 100 percent graduation rate.
Will Attending an Online Occupational Therapy School Save Me Money?
Yes, attending an online occupational therapy school will save you money in most cases. With an online program, you won’t have to spend money on relocation, transportation, and on-campus housing costs.
Benefits of Online Occupational Therapy Programs
- Flexibility. Lectures can be taken at one’s convenience, allowing students to arrange their own schedules more efficiently and allowing more time for family, work, and other time commitments.
- Less expensive. Online occupational therapy programs are less expensive because students won’t have to spend money on transportation to school or housing costs. Online tuition is also generally less expensive, as schools are saving money by not having to support students on campus.
- Easy access. Online programs allow for an easier and faster response time from professors. Instead of waiting in a line of students after a lecture to talk to your professors, online learning formats emphasize the importance of providing access to virtual chats with instructors and faculty.
- Easy accessibility. Another benefit is easy access to lectures, training materials, and documentation on the online program at any time. Because the format is online, students are able to access learning materials instantly and on a consistent basis.
- Technology skills. Alongside achieving educational goals, online degree programs will also help one acquire new technology skills for accessible online learning. This format also helps students become familiar with programs such as Skype, Zoom, and Basecamp that can be helpful in a virtual workspace.
Highest-Paying Occupational Therapy Careers
| Occupational Therapy Job | Occupational Therapy Degree | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist | Doctorate | $95,620 |
| Occupational Therapist | Master’s Degree | $85,570 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | Master’s Degree | $79,060 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | Associate Degree | $61,520 |
| Recreational Therapist | Bachelor’s Degree | $47,940 |
Best Occupational Therapy Jobs Explained
The best occupational therapy jobs include positions in physical occupational therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy assistant, as well as recreational therapy. Continue reading below for an overview of each profession.
Occupational Therapy Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Occupational Therapy Schools
We chose the most affordable occupational therapy colleges based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Additional Reading About Occupational Therapy
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Cheapest Occupational Therapy Schools FAQ
The best occupational therapy schools for a master’s degree program are South New Hampshire University, University of Cincinnati, Abilene Christian University, University of Kansas, Bay Path University, Indiana State University, Murray State University, East Carolina University, and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The most affordable master’s degree programs are Direct-Entry Master’s Program in Occupational Therapy at Salem State University, Master of Occupational Therapy at Worcester State University, MS Occupational Therapy at Winston Salem State University, and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Northeastern State University.
Yes, there are various scholarship programs for occupational therapy students such as the AMBUCS Scholarship for Therapists, Carlotta Welles Scholarship, and the Ruth Peterson Memorial Scholarship.
The best affordable online doctorate programs are the Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy at Texas Woman’s University, the Online Post-Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program at Indiana University, and the Post-Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program at the University of Utah.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
