2026 Best Value Occupational Therapy/Therapist Schools
[Occupational Therapy/Therapist](/majors/health-care-professions/rehab-and-therapeutic-professions/occupational-therapy-therapist/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 260 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value occupational therapy/therapist schools.
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Finding the Best Value Occupational Therapy/Therapist School for You
The right occupational therapy/therapist school can pay off for years to come. To help, we created our Best Value Occupational Therapy/Therapist Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.
Learn more about our methodology
One Size Does Not Fit All
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Occupational Therapy/Therapist Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
Read more about College Factual’s methodology
2026 Best Value Occupational Therapy/Therapist Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in occupational therapy/therapist, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Occupational Therapy/Therapist Schools
University Of Florida tops our 2026 list of the best value occupational therapy/therapist schools in the United States. University Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Gainesville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $74,189. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Dominguez Hills is a great value for students pursuing a degree in occupational therapy/therapist, landing the #2 spot this year. California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public school located in the city of Carson. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,454, with out-of-state students paying around $20,054. Students borrow a median of $15,886 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from California State University Dominguez Hills generally make around $74,937. Set against $15,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Dominguez Hills admits about 93% of applicants.
University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a great value for students pursuing a degree in occupational therapy/therapist, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public school located in the city of Las Vegas. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Typical student debt for occupational therapy/therapist graduates is $21,181. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of University Of Nevada Las Vegas earn a median of $83,708 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants.
Florida International University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value occupational therapy/therapist schools. Located in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Students borrow a median of $19,349 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $63,249. Set against $19,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%.
The Community College Of Baltimore County is a great value for students pursuing a degree in occupational therapy/therapist, landing the #5 spot this year. The Community College Of Baltimore County is a very large public school located in the suburb of Baltimore. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,110, with out-of-state students paying around $10,182. Students borrow a median of $18,038 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Early-career occupational therapy/therapist graduates make about $40,075. That is a strong return on a $18,038 median debt.
Cuny York College landed the #6 spot for occupational therapy/therapist value this year. Cuny York College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Jamaica. In-state tuition and fees average $7,358, compared with $15,308 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for occupational therapy/therapist graduates is $12,573. Early-career occupational therapy/therapist graduates make about $57,806. Set against $12,573 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.
San Jose State University landed the #7 spot for occupational therapy/therapist value this year. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%.
The University Of Texas Pan American ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value occupational therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,014 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from The University Of Texas Pan American generally make around $46,404. Set against $16,014 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #9 for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for occupational therapy/therapist graduates is $16,666. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $59,408 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.
Texas Womans University placed #10 among the best values for occupational therapy/therapist. Located in the city of Denton, Texas Womans University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Students borrow a median of $24,211 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Texas Womans University earn a median of $60,449 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earned the #11 position for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Students borrow a median of $22,937 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earn a median of $55,713 early in their careers. Set against $22,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value occupational therapy/therapist schools. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for occupational therapy/therapist graduates is $16,481. Early-career occupational therapy/therapist graduates make about $65,780. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%.
Eastern Kentucky University came in at #13 for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Located in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,320, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Typical student debt for occupational therapy/therapist graduates is $20,900. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Eastern Kentucky University earn a median of $72,578 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
University Of Utah came in at #14 for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Students borrow a median of $20,798 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $63,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #15 spot for occupational therapy/therapist value this year. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $58,000. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 15%.
University Of Louisiana Monroe came in at #16 for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Set in the city of Monroe, University Of Louisiana Monroe is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,190, compared with $21,290 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for occupational therapy/therapist graduates is $22,465. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of University Of Louisiana Monroe earn a median of $83,514 early in their careers. Set against $22,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Louisiana Monroe admits about 85% of applicants.
Murray State University came in at #17 for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Murray State University is a large public school located in the town of Murray. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,900, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Typical student debt for occupational therapy/therapist graduates is $23,420. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from Murray State University generally make around $65,290. That is a strong return on a $23,420 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Northwest Mississippi Community College came in at #18 for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Located in the town of Senatobia, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,740. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $9,990 in student loans. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from Northwest Mississippi Community College generally make around $35,001. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Florida Gulf Coast University placed #19 among the best values for occupational therapy/therapist. Located in the suburb of Fort Myers, Florida Gulf Coast University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,118, while out-of-state students pay about $25,162. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $20,015 in student loans. Early-career occupational therapy/therapist graduates make about $72,862. Set against $20,015 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga came in at #20 for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Set in the city of Chattanooga, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,448, with out-of-state students paying around $18,512. Typical student debt for occupational therapy/therapist graduates is $23,324. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga generally make around $72,301. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.
Governors State University placed #21 among the best values for occupational therapy/therapist. Governors State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of University Park. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,004. Students borrow a median of $24,990 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from Governors State University generally make around $69,605. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 48%.
Northern Arizona University came in at #22 for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,645 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $76,945 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.
Kean University earned the #23 position for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Kean University is a large public school located in the suburb of Union. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,299, with out-of-state students paying around $22,446. Typical student debt for occupational therapy/therapist graduates is $26,703. Early-career occupational therapy/therapist graduates make about $71,277. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Eastern Washington University earned the #24 position for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Located in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $25,326 in student loans. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Eastern Washington University earn a median of $65,040 early in their careers. Set against $25,326 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
West Virginia University placed #25 among the best values for occupational therapy/therapist. Located in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Students borrow a median of $23,772 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of West Virginia University earn a median of $64,049 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,772 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Occupational Therapy/Therapist Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in occupational therapy/therapist:
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Explore other best-value rankings in majors related to Occupational Therapy/Therapist. Browse the parent area of study.
Notes and References
The ranking above is published 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 · 260 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 188 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
