Most Affordable Occupational Therapy Schools

Many students want to enter the rewarding field of occupational therapy but feel daunted by rising tuition and hidden expenses. The good news is that there are accredited, most affordable occupational therapy schools across the US that can help you launch your career without overwhelming debt.

Occupational therapy is growing fast, with employment of occupational therapists projected to increase by 14 percent in the next decade, which is much faster than average for all occupations.¹ In this guide, we’ll explore the most affordable OT schools, break down typical costs, highlight financial aid and scholarship options, and give you the tools to choose the program that best fits your goals and budget.

Key Takeaways

Affordable occupational therapy programs exist at both public and private universities, with tuition ranging widely depending on state residency and degree level.
Costs extend beyond tuition — students should plan for housing, supplies, health insurance, and fieldwork-related fees.
Accreditation through ACOTE is required for graduates to sit for the NBCOT licensing exam, making it a key factor when selecting a program.
Career outcomes are strong, with graduates pursuing roles as occupational therapists, OT assistants, or specialists in emerging areas like telehealth and ergonomics.
Scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs can substantially reduce the cost of becoming an occupational therapist.
Comparing schools by cost, graduation rates, and NBCOT pass rates helps students balance affordability with long-term professional success.

What Are the Most Affordable Occupational Therapy Schools in the US?

Here’s a list of some of the most affordable occupational therapy schools in the U.S., ranked by in-state tuition and net price.

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.

In this article, “affordable” generally refers to in-state tuition and net price as reported by the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard. Published tuition rates don’t always reflect the actual cost students pay after scholarships and grants. It’s also important to note that affordability alone does not always align with NBCOT board exam pass rates, so students should weigh both cost and outcomes before deciding.

How Much Do the Cheapest Occupational Therapy Schools Cost?

Tuition for cheap OT programs can range dramatically depending on residency, degree level, and additional fees.

Programs may vary widely in cost depending on whether students attend full-time or part-time, live in-state or out-of-state, and attend public or private universities. Additional expenses such as housing, books, and transportation also affect the total cost of attendance.

Beyond tuition, many OT programs now include clinical placement fees, technology fees, and simulation lab costs that can add significantly to the bill. Because graduate OT programs typically require at least two to three years of study beyond the bachelor’s, total costs should be calculated across the entire program length rather than one year alone.

Cheapest Occupational Therapy Schools Costs Breakdown

The total cost of attending an OT program includes more than just tuition — things like simulation lab and health insurance fees matter too.

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.

Another common cost in 2025 is simulation and lab fees. Many OT programs now rely on advanced simulation centers for hands-on training, which often carry mandatory fees per semester. In addition, most universities automatically enroll students in campus health insurance plans unless they provide proof of outside coverage.

Why You Should Attend an Occupational Therapy School

Occupational therapy offers stability and flexibility in healthcare careers with expanding demand in multiple settings.

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.

In recent years, occupational therapists have expanded into telehealth services, allowing them to reach clients remotely and provide therapy sessions online. This creates added flexibility for both practitioners and patients. However, no matter where you practice, you must pass the NBCOT licensing exam after completing your degree in order to work as an OT in the United States.

A typical day for an OT student blends academic coursework and clinical training. Mornings may involve lectures on anatomy or neuroscience, followed by lab-based sessions where students practice therapeutic techniques. Afternoons often include supervised fieldwork placements at hospitals or rehabilitation centers. Students can expect 30–40 hours per week of structured study, plus independent projects and group assignments. This mix of classroom and hands-on training helps prepare graduates for the demands of practice.

Best Occupational Therapy School Career Options

After earning your OT degree, you can pursue roles in traditional and emerging specialties like rehabilitation, vocational services, or health tech consulting.

Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 14 percent in the next decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.¹

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.

In addition to traditional roles, new career paths are developing in 2025. Occupational therapists are increasingly working in assistive technology design, helping create adaptive devices and tools. Others are entering mental health recovery programs, using OT methods to support patients with anxiety, depression, or trauma. These emerging areas provide more options for graduates looking to specialize.

Occupational Therapy Salary

The average salary of an occupational therapist in 2025 was $98,340.¹

The salary of an occupational therapist will depend on factors like their total years of hands-on 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?

Some students can attend OT school without paying tuition out-of-pocket by leveraging scholarships or employer-funded 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.

In practice, “free” usually means that tuition is fully covered through scholarships, federal grants, or employer-sponsored tuition programs. Some military-affiliated students may also qualify for complete coverage through VA or Department of Defense benefits. Fully tuition-free occupational therapy programs are extremely rare.

Cheapest Occupational Therapy Schools That Won’t Break the Bank

Below is a comparative table of OT programs notable for their relative affordability and graduation outcomes.

School	In-State Tuition	Out-of-State Tuition	Graduation Rate
University of Oklahoma	$9,887²	$27,467²	58%²
University of Florida	$6,381³	$30,886³	83%³
Florida International University	$6,566⁴	$18,964⁴	59%⁴
San Jose State University	$8,846⁵	$22,166⁵	37%⁵
Texas Woman’s University	$10,540⁶	$22,840⁶	29%⁶
Eastern Kentucky University	$11,280⁷	$23,500⁷	41%⁷
Ohio State University	$13,641⁸	$42,423⁸	72%⁸
Virginia Commonwealth University	$17,240⁹	$39,714⁹	46%⁹
Temple University	$23,723¹⁰	$40,144¹⁰	59%¹⁰
Mount Mary University	$36,490¹¹	$36,490¹¹	35%¹¹

These schools are highlighted primarily for their affordability and graduation rates. However, applicants should also review NBCOT pass rates, program accreditation, and faculty resources when making final decisions. A lower tuition may not always translate into better professional outcomes if licensure exam success rates are weak.

What Are the Cheapest Occupational Therapy Schools? A Deep Dive

In this deep dive, we explore program features, costs, and degree offerings of each affordable OT school.

University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is a public research university founded in 1890. It offers both a Master of Occupational Therapy and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Coursework covers anatomy, rehabilitation science, neuroscience, and therapeutic methods. OU prepares students for leadership in practice with strong academic and clinical training.

University of Florida
The University of Florida, a top public institution, provides a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and a combined Bachelor of Health Science/OTD track. UF emphasizes research, leadership, and clinical expertise, giving students the opportunity to complete a capstone project and interdisciplinary coursework.

Florida International University
FIU offers a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. The program combines classroom instruction, clinical practice, and fieldwork to prepare students for licensure. FIU’s program is structured to encourage collaboration across disciplines and with community partners.

San Jose State University
SJSU offers a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. The program emphasizes eligibility for the national certification exam and includes extensive fieldwork. Alumni benefit from the school’s strong connections within California’s healthcare community.

Texas Woman’s University
TWU hosts one of the largest OT departments in the U.S., with entry-level and research-focused doctoral programs. The curriculum blends academic coursework, fieldwork, and research projects, preparing graduates for both practice and academic careers.

Eastern Kentucky University
EKU offers a dual Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Students benefit from mentorship by experienced faculty and a curriculum focused on evidence-based practice.

Ohio State University
OSU offers a Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and a PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Coursework includes anatomy, neuroscience, biomechanics, and clinical practice. The dual-degree option prepares students for academic and research-intensive careers.

Virginia Commonwealth University
VCU provides a Doctor of Occupational Therapy focused on client-centered, evidence-based interventions. Students learn to collaborate across healthcare disciplines and engage in community practice.

Temple University
Temple’s College of Public Health offers both a Master of Science in OT and a Doctor of OT. Programs emphasize leadership, interdisciplinary fieldwork, and advanced clinical training.

Mount Mary University
Mount Mary offers both a Master of Science in OT and an entry-level OTD. Programs emphasize fieldwork and practical skills, preparing graduates for a range of practice settings.

When reviewing these profiles, it’s important to note that some universities only offer entry-level master’s programs, while others now provide doctorate-level training (OTD). This distinction can change the total cost of attendance and length of study. Prospective students should confirm which degree levels are currently offered and whether combined bachelor’s-to-doctorate options are available.

Paying for Occupational Therapy School With Financial Aid

Financial aid, grants, and loan forgiveness programs make OT education more accessible.

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.

Graduates who take on federal loans may also be eligible for financial aid options like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), which forgives Direct Loans after 120 qualifying payments. For OTs working in community or nonprofit settings, PSLF can make student loan repayment significantly more manageable.

How to Apply for Federal Aid to Finance Your Occupational Therapy School Program

Applying for federal aid in OT programs starts with completing the FAFSA accurately and on time.

The steps involve 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.

Keep in mind that graduate students are not eligible for Pell Grants, which are reserved for undergraduates. Instead, they can access federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans. Also, FAFSA uses the “prior-prior year” rule, meaning that the tax information submitted may be two years old by the time of application. Filing early ensures access to the widest range of aid.

Best Occupational Therapy Scholarships

Scholarships can help close the gap between program costs and what students can afford.

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.

Students should also be aware of the E.K. Wise Scholarship, offered annually by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) to support students from diverse backgrounds entering the OT field. Unlike smaller regional scholarships, this award is nationally available and can provide meaningful support for students pursuing either a master’s or doctoral OT degree.

Cheapest Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Schools

Entry-level associate and bachelor’s OT programs offer lower-cost pathways into the field or prep for graduate work.

Most Affordable Occupational Therapy Associate Degree Programs

Maricopa Community College | Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Occupational Therapy Assistant

This program prepares students to work as certified OT assistants under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists, focusing on therapeutic techniques and patient care.

Herzing University | Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant

The curriculum includes classroom and fieldwork training in pediatrics, geriatrics, assistive technology, and kinesiology.

Houston Community College | Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science

Students are trained in the use of technology in occupational therapy and gain hands-on practice in clinical settings.

Bristol Community College | Associate in Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant

This program provides accessible, high-quality training for students seeking OTA careers.

Casper College | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate of Science

A collaborative learning program that emphasizes creativity and applied practice for OT assistant students.

Most Affordable Occupational Therapy Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Temple University | Bachelor of Science in Health Professions

This degree prepares students for roles in health-related fields and provides a pathway into OT graduate study.

University of Missouri | Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy

Coursework blends theory, practice, and fieldwork for entry-level healthcare employment or further OT education.

Concordia University Wisconsin | Accelerated OT Bachelor’s Degree

This accelerated hybrid program allows students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in OT in about 4.5 years.

University of Illinois Chicago | Bachelor of Science in Pre-Occupational Therapy

Students gain skills in adaptive devices, environmental modifications, and biomechanical concepts to prepare for OT graduate programs.

University of Florida | Bachelor of Health Sciences and Doctor of Occupational Therapy Combined Degree

This dual degree reduces time and cost by combining undergraduate and doctoral OT coursework.

While associate and bachelor’s degrees provide a more affordable entry point, keep in mind that most states require a master’s or doctorate to become a licensed OT. Programs at the undergraduate level typically prepare students for entry into graduate-level study or for work as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA).

Cheapest Graduate Schools for Occupational Therapy

Here are some of the more budget-conscious graduate OT programs, including master’s and doctorate options.

Most Affordable Schools for Master’s Degrees in Occupational Therapy

Florida International University | Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

This MSOT program emphasizes cultural awareness, technology, collaborative work, and evidence-based practice, preparing students for diverse OT careers.

Mount Mary University | Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

A 28-month program combining classroom learning, fieldwork, and a capstone project, designed for bachelor’s degree holders seeking career advancement.

University of Oklahoma | Master of Occupational Therapy

An interdisciplinary curriculum covering rehabilitation sciences, neuroscience, and therapeutic practice.

Temple University | Master of Science of Occupational Therapy

This 80-credit program can be completed in 2.5 years and includes extensive fieldwork, research, and community engagement.

San Jose State University | Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Open to bachelor’s degree holders, this program includes a study-abroad option alongside fieldwork and research.

Most Affordable PhDs in Occupational Therapy Universities

University of Oklahoma | Doctor of Occupational Therapy

This OTD program emphasizes advanced practice, leadership, advocacy, and teaching, preparing graduates for roles beyond traditional clinical settings.

Ohio State University | Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

Designed for advanced clinical practice, the program integrates research, critical thinking, and leadership skills.

Temple University | Doctorate of Occupational Therapy

Prepares graduates to design client-focused interventions and pursue leadership and academic roles.

Texas Woman’s University | Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy

A research-focused program preparing OTs for academic and clinical leadership.

University of Florida | Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Focuses on evidence-based practice, leadership, and advocacy with extensive fieldwork.

All graduate OT programs must be accredited by ACOTE for graduates to be eligible for licensure. Before enrolling, check the program’s accreditation status and ensure it has maintained good standing. Students should also explore dual-degree or accelerated pathways that combine undergraduate and graduate study, which can reduce overall tuition.

How to Choose a Good and Affordable Occupational Therapy School

When selecting an OT school, prioritize accreditation, NBCOT pass rates, cost, and licensure outcomes.

Occupational therapy is a growing field with limitless career opportunities. Choosing to attend one of the cheapest occupational therapy schools is a great first step in your career journey.

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.

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.

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.

One of the most useful resources when comparing schools is the NBCOT School Performance Data tool, which provides pass rates per program. Choosing a school with both affordable tuition and strong pass rates can help maximize your return on investment.

Tips for Saving Money While Attending Occupational Therapy School

Smart budgeting and sponsorship opportunities can significantly reduce your OT education costs.

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.

Some clinical fieldwork sites provide stipends or tuition reimbursement to OT students in exchange for service. Asking about these opportunities early can help reduce total costs.

Cheapest Online Schools for Occupational Therapy

Online and hybrid OT programs can cut costs, but due to licensure requirements, full online completion is rare.

Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Bachelor’s Programs

Purdue University Global | Bachelor of Science in Human Services

Teaches advocacy skills, global awareness, and systems management as preparation for OT graduate programs.

Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

Provides foundational knowledge of healthcare systems and clinical care to prepare students for OT master’s programs.

University of Cincinnati | Online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences – Pre-Occupational Therapy

Combines theoretical coursework, fieldwork, and professional skills to prepare students for OT careers.

Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Master’s Programs

Trinity Washington University | Master of Occupational Therapy

A hybrid program accredited by ACOTE with flexible weekend and online coursework

Eastern Kentucky University | Occupational Therapy Online Master’s to OTD

Designed for licensed OTs seeking career advancement into leadership and doctoral-level training.

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences | Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

A hybrid three-year program with coursework in neuroscience, geriatrics, prosthetics, and movement techniques.

Belmont University | Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Delivered in a hybrid format with monthly in-person classes plus online coursework, labs, and fieldwork.

Elmhurst University | Master of Occupational Therapy

A hybrid program completed in two years with strong emphasis on collaborative research.

While online OT programs can reduce housing and transportation costs, it’s important to know that most entry-level OT degrees cannot be completed entirely online. ACOTE requires hands-on fieldwork components. Instead, many schools now offer hybrid models that combine online coursework with supervised local fieldwork.

Highest-Paying Occupational Therapy Careers

Median salaries for OT and related professions vary widely by role and experience.

Occupational Therapist
- Median Salary: $98,340/year¹
- Projected Job Growth: 14%¹
- Degree Required: Master’s degree¹
Physical Therapist
- Median Salary: $101,020¹²
- Projected Job Growth: 11%
- Degree Required: Doctoral or professional degree
Speech-Language Pathologist
- Median Salary: $95,410¹³
- Projected Job Growth: 15%¹³
- Degree Required: Master’s degree¹³
Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Median Salary: $66,050¹⁴
- Projected Job Growth: Associate’s degree
- Degree Required: 18%
Recreational Therapist
- Median Salary: $60,280¹⁵
- Projected Job Growth: 3%
- Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree

To see how these roles compare across industries, check CK’s guide to highest-paying occupational therapy careers.

Best Occupational Therapy Jobs Explained

OT practitioners often specialize into roles like school-based therapy, mental health, or ergonomic consulting.

Physical therapists help injured people manage their pain and recover as quickly as possible. Their duties include diagnosis and engaging patients in a series of exercises, as well as placing them on treatments that will quickstart their full recovery. They typically work in offices, hospitals, and nursing homes.
Occupational therapists work with patients that have physical and/or cognitive disabilities to improve movement and abilities through therapeutic measures which will aid their daily improvement. With their clinical experience, their focus is mostly on improving both the physical and mental health of ill patients.
Speech-language pathologists work with patients to address speech and/or swallowing disorders. They treat these issues by working with children and adults on vocal and sound pronunciation exercises and exercising certain muscles to improve speech capabilities.
Occupational therapy assistants work in offices, nursing care facilities, and hospitals. These professionals work with occupational therapists and support them in daily tasks, such as cleaning after patients, helping patients with payment and billing procedures, and recording patients’ progress.
Recreational therapists help people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses improve by planning and coordinating recreational-based treatment programs which may include dance, music, games, aquatics, and crafts.

Another emerging area is ergonomics and workplace design, where occupational therapists can help employers to create safer and more efficient environments for their employees. This can include reducing workplace injuries, improving workstation setups, and consulting on adaptive equipment in office or industrial settings.

Occupational Therapy Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Occupational Therapy Schools

Our ranking focuses purely on affordability metrics, not licensure outcomes or academic prestige.

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.

It’s important to note that these rankings reflect affordability only. They do not evaluate program quality, NBCOT exam pass rates, or career outcomes. Readers should use this affordability ranking alongside other data sources when choosing a program.

Emerging Trends in Occupational Therapy Careers (2025)

Occupational therapy continues to evolve with healthcare needs. In 2025, some of the major trends in the industry include:

Telehealth OT — Delivering therapy sessions virtually to reach rural or mobility-limited patients.
Mental health integration — OTs increasingly support patients with anxiety, depression, and trauma recovery.
Ergonomics consulting — Helping organizations design safer workplaces.
AI-driven rehabilitation tools — Using wearable tech and AI platforms to track patient progress and customize therapy.

Accreditation Guide for OT Students

Before applying, make sure that you confirm that a program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Without this accreditation, you won’t be eligible to sit for the NBCOT exam, which will make licensure essentially impossible. The ACOTE directory (available on the AOTA website) lists every accredited program and its current status.

State Licensing and Reciprocity Considerations

While NBCOT certification is national, each state issues its own OT license. Requirements can vary slightly, including background checks or continuing education hours. Students planning to relocate after graduation should research whether their target state has reciprocity agreements or streamlined licensing for out-of-state OTs.

NBCOT Exam Pass Rates by School

Affordability matters, but your exam outcomes are equally important. Here’s why it matters:

High pass rates suggest that the institution has stronger faculty support and curriculum design.
Lower pass rates may indicate that program challenges could affect your readiness. Students should always review NBCOT’s official School Performance Data before enrolling.

Sources

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.

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About the Author

Kelvin Ekun

Content Writer at Career Karma

Kelvin is a content writer with extensive tech experience. He studied project management with Deprimex Consulting and attended the Data Science Nigeria 2020 Bootcamp. Kelvin’s work experience includes organizing tech training for student associations an... read more about the author

Jul 20, 2022