ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Occupational Therapy/Therapist Master’s Degree Schools

138 Colleges in the United States
$25,553 Avg Student Debt
$61,627 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Occupational Therapy/Therapist Master's Degree Badge [Occupational Therapy/Therapist](/majors/health-care-professions/rehab-and-therapeutic-professions/occupational-therapy-therapist/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong occupational therapy/therapist education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 260 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for occupational therapy/therapist students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/rehab-and-therapeutic-professions/occupational-therapy-therapist/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/rehab-and-therapeutic-professions/occupational-therapy-therapist/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/rehab-and-therapeutic-professions/occupational-therapy-therapist/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/rehab-and-therapeutic-professions/occupational-therapy-therapist/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/rehab-and-therapeutic-professions/occupational-therapy-therapist/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/rehab-and-therapeutic-professions/occupational-therapy-therapist/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/health-care-professions/rehab-and-therapeutic-professions/occupational-therapy-therapist/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 1
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 51.23), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Physical Therapy Assistant (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Physical Therapy Assistant (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 0
DEBUG: No relevant offers, showing generic ESYOH widget

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

1

For return on investment in occupational therapy/therapist, no school beat California State University Dominguez Hills this year. Set in the city of Carson, California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,454 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,054. Typical student debt for occupational therapy/therapist graduates is $15,886. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from California State University Dominguez Hills generally make around $74,937. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Illinois At Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in occupational therapy/therapist, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Students borrow a median of $16,666 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $70,116. That is a strong return on a $16,666 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

3

Students looking for strong value in occupational therapy/therapist will find it at San Jose State University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 85%.

4
Cuny York College crest
Cuny York College
Jamaica, NY

Cuny York College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value occupational therapy/therapist schools. Located in the city of Jamaica, Cuny York College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,358, with out-of-state students paying around $15,308. Students borrow a median of $12,573 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Cuny York College earn a median of $57,806 early in their careers. Set against $12,573 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.

5

Florida International University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in occupational therapy/therapist, landing the #5 spot this year. Florida International University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Miami. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,349 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Florida International University earn a median of $63,249 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%.

ADBLOCK #101
6

The University Of Texas Pan American placed #6 among the best values for occupational therapy/therapist. The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public school located in the city of Edinburg. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Students borrow a median of $16,014 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of The University Of Texas Pan American earn a median of $46,404 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,014 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.

7

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earned the #7 position for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $48,775 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants.

8

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #8 for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $57,338 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.

9
University Of Utah crest
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah earned the #9 position for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,798 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Early-career occupational therapy/therapist graduates make about $72,357. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants.

10

University Of Louisiana Monroe came in at #10 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. Early-career occupational therapy/therapist graduates make about $83,514. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #115
11

Texas Womans University placed #11 among the best values for occupational therapy/therapist. Set in the city of Denton, Texas Womans University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $24,211 in student loans. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Texas Womans University earn a median of $54,611 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,211 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

12

Eastern Kentucky University came in at #12 for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Set in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Typical student debt for occupational therapy/therapist graduates is $20,900. Early-career occupational therapy/therapist graduates make about $62,464. That is a strong return on a $20,900 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

13

Murray State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value occupational therapy/therapist schools. Set in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,420 to complete the occupational therapy/therapist program here. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Murray State University earn a median of $65,290 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

14
Governors State University crest
Governors State University
University Park, IL

Governors State University earned the #14 position for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Set in the suburb of University Park, Governors State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,004 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for occupational therapy/therapist graduates is $24,990. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from Governors State University generally make around $69,605. That is a strong return on a $24,990 median debt. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted.

15

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value occupational therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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 $56,930 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,937 median debt. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #145
16

West Virginia University earned the #16 position for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Located in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Typical student debt for occupational therapy/therapist graduates is $23,772. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from West Virginia University generally make around $58,261. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

17
Kean University crest
Kean University
Union, NJ

Kean University came in at #17 for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Kean University is a large public school located in the suburb of Union. In-state tuition and fees average $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 $73,099. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

18

Eastern Washington University placed #18 among the best values for occupational therapy/therapist. Eastern Washington University is a large public school located in the town of Cheney. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,586, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. Typical student debt for occupational therapy/therapist graduates is $25,326. Early-career occupational therapy/therapist graduates make about $70,652. That is a strong return on a $25,326 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.

19

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. Students from in state pay about $6,118 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,162. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $20,015 in student loans. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Florida Gulf Coast University earn a median of $72,862 early in their careers. Set against $20,015 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.

20

University Of Southern Indiana came in at #20 for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. University Of Southern Indiana is a large public school located in the suburb of Evansville. Students from in state pay about $10,066 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,907. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $21,999 in student loans. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from University Of Southern Indiana generally make around $64,181. Set against $21,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #150
21

Northeastern State University earned the #21 position for value in occupational therapy/therapist this year. Set in the town of Tahlequah, Northeastern State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,810, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $23,465 in student loans. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Northeastern State University earn a median of $78,311 early in their careers. Set against $23,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.

22
Augusta University crest
Augusta University
Augusta, GA

Augusta University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value occupational therapy/therapist schools. Located in the city of Augusta, Augusta University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,414, while out-of-state students pay about $24,734. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $25,745 in student loans. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Augusta University earn a median of $71,697 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

23
Indiana State University crest
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN

Indiana State University placed #23 among the best values for occupational therapy/therapist. Located in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $25,582 in student loans. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Indiana State University earn a median of $71,232 early in their careers. Set against $25,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

24

The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #24 among the best values for occupational therapy/therapist. Located in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $19,819 in student loans. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of The University Of Texas At El Paso earn a median of $59,225 early in their careers. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%.

25
Saginaw Valley State University crest
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI

Saginaw Valley State University placed #25 among the best values for occupational therapy/therapist. Located in the suburb of University Center, Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,930, with out-of-state students paying around $30,450. Typical student debt for occupational therapy/therapist graduates is $18,500. Early-career occupational therapy/therapist graduates make about $61,433. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. Saginaw Valley State University admits about 72% of applicants.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Occupational Therapy/Therapist Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in occupational therapy/therapist:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
Bay Path College crest
Bay Path College
Longmeadow, MA
36
37
38
Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD
39
Mercy College crest
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY
40
Radford University crest
Radford University
Radford, VA
41
Mesa State College crest
Mesa State College
Grand Junction, CO
42
43
44
45
46
47
Stony Brook University crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
48
49
50

Other Occupational Therapy/Therapist Degree Levels

Explore the best-value occupational therapy/therapist schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Occupational Therapy/Therapist
Associate's Degrees in Occupational Therapy/Therapist
Bachelor's Degrees in Occupational Therapy/Therapist
ADBLOCK #173
View All Occupational Therapy/Therapist Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

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 · 260 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 138 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options