by our College Data Analytics Team
[Occupational Therapist Assistant](/majors/health-care-professions/allied-health-medical-assisting-services/occupational-therapist-assistant/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 5 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for occupational therapist assistant students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the occupational therapist assistant degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Bates Technical College, our #1 best value for occupational therapist assistant in Washington. Bates Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Tacoma. In-state tuition and fees average $6,027, while out-of-state students pay about $12,165. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,051.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lake Washington Institute Of Technology earned it the #2 place for occupational therapist assistant. Set in the suburb of Kirkland, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,997, while out-of-state students pay about $12,062. Occupational Therapist Assistant graduates carry a median of $20,335 in student loans. Occupational Therapist Assistant graduates of Lake Washington Institute Of Technology earn a median of $45,385 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Spokane Falls Community College one of the best values for occupational therapist assistant. Spokane Falls Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Spokane. In-state tuition and fees average $5,461, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Typical student debt for occupational therapist assistant graduates is $21,000. Occupational Therapist Assistant graduates of Spokane Falls Community College earn a median of $47,797 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Green River Community College earned it the #4 place for occupational therapist assistant. Green River Community College is a large public school located in the city of Auburn. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,711, with out-of-state students paying around $5,263. Median earnings reach $50,712 ten years out.
Pima Medical Institute Renton is a great value for students pursuing a degree in occupational therapist assistant, landing the #5 spot this year. Pima Medical Institute Renton is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Renton. Students borrow a median of $18,375 to complete the occupational therapist assistant program here. Early-career occupational therapist assistant graduates make about $38,045. Set against $18,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
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This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.