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2026 Best Occupational Therapy/Therapist Schools in the Great Lakes Region

36 Colleges in the United States
1,410 Occupational Therapy/Therapist Degrees Awarded
$63,311 Avg Early-Career Salary

Occupational Therapy/Therapist is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

College Factual analyzed 47 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best occupational therapy/therapist schools.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Occupational Therapy/Therapist in the Great Lakes Region

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the occupational therapy/therapist degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Occupational Therapy/Therapist

1

Midwestern University Downers Grove tops our 2026 ranking of the best occupational therapy/therapist schools. Midwestern University Downers Grove is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Downers Grove. There were roughly 46 occupational therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Midwestern University Downers Grove in the most recent data year. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Midwestern University Downers Grove earn a median of $76,040 early in their careers. More information about a degree in occupational therapy/therapist from Midwestern University Downers Grove

2
North Central College crest
North Central College
Naperville, IL

North Central College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in occupational therapy/therapist, ranking #2. North Central College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Naperville. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. There were roughly 42 occupational therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at North Central College in the most recent data year. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of North Central College earn a median of $46,247 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,699. Get the full occupational therapy/therapist details for North Central College

3

A rank of #3 makes University Of Illinois At Chicago one of the top schools for occupational therapy/therapist. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. About 62% of students finish within six years. About 53 occupational therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at University Of Illinois At Chicago in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $59,408. Typical student debt for the program is $16,666. Read more about the occupational therapy/therapist program at University Of Illinois At Chicago

4

Students looking for a strong occupational therapy/therapist program will find one at University Of Wisconsin Madison, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. About 30 occupational therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at University Of Wisconsin Madison in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $56,485. Typical student debt for the program is $23,982. Read more about the occupational therapy/therapist program at University Of Wisconsin Madison

5

A rank of #5 makes Western Michigan University one of the top schools for occupational therapy/therapist. Located in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. Western Michigan University awarded about 64 occupational therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $60,669. Western Michigan University graduates carry a median of $26,668 in student loans. See the full occupational therapy/therapist program report for Western Michigan University

6

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #6 for occupational therapy/therapist this year. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public school located in the city of La Crosse. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 26 occupational therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin La Crosse in the most recent data year. Graduates of the occupational therapy/therapist program make about $61,039 in their early career. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse graduates carry a median of $21,374 in student loans. See the full occupational therapy/therapist program report for University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

7
Marquette University crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best occupational therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of Milwaukee, Marquette University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Marquette University graduates 83% of students within six years. About 26 occupational therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Marquette University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from Marquette University generally make around $74,469. Typical student debt for the program is $24,122. Get the full occupational therapy/therapist details for Marquette University

8

Concordia University Wisconsin earned the #8 position for occupational therapy/therapist this year. Located in the suburb of Mequon, Concordia University Wisconsin is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 62 occupational therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Concordia University Wisconsin in the most recent year. Graduates of the occupational therapy/therapist program make about $72,716 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,875. Get the full occupational therapy/therapist details for Concordia University Wisconsin

9

Ohio State University Main Campus placed #9 among the best occupational therapy/therapist schools. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. About 88% of students finish within six years. About 51 occupational therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Ohio State University Main Campus in the most recent year. Graduates of the occupational therapy/therapist program make about $70,332 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $22,053. Read more about the occupational therapy/therapist program at Ohio State University Main Campus

10
Saginaw Valley State University crest
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI

Saginaw Valley State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best occupational therapy/therapist schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the suburb of University Center. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. About 53 occupational therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Saginaw Valley State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their occupational therapy/therapist degree from Saginaw Valley State University earn around $60,685 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete this degree. See the full occupational therapy/therapist program report for Saginaw Valley State University

11

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best occupational therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public institution. About 54% of students finish within six years. About 41 occupational therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis in the most recent year. Graduates of the occupational therapy/therapist program make about $55,713 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $22,937 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in occupational therapy/therapist from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

12
Carroll University crest
Carroll University
Waukesha, WI

Carroll University placed #12 among the best occupational therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of Waukesha, Carroll University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Carroll University graduates 71% of students within six years. About 27 occupational therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Carroll University in the most recent year. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Carroll University earn a median of $71,185 early in their careers. Carroll University graduates carry a median of $26,904 in student loans. More information about a degree in occupational therapy/therapist from Carroll University

13

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #13 for occupational therapy/therapist this year. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Cincinnati. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus graduates 74% of students within six years. About 31 occupational therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at University Of Cincinnati Main Campus in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from University Of Cincinnati Main Campus generally make around $70,824. Typical student debt for the program is $23,530. Get the full occupational therapy/therapist details for University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

14
Kettering College crest
Kettering College
Kettering, OH

Kettering College placed #14 among the best occupational therapy/therapist schools. Kettering College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Kettering. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 18 occupational therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Kettering College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from Kettering College generally make around $68,489. Kettering College graduates carry a median of $32,543 in student loans. Get the full occupational therapy/therapist details for Kettering College

15
Rush University crest
Rush University
Chicago, IL

Rush University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best occupational therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Rush University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. There were roughly 34 occupational therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Rush University in the most recent data year. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Rush University earn a median of $76,061 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $31,206. More information about a degree in occupational therapy/therapist from Rush University

16
Huntington University crest
Huntington University
Huntington, IN

Huntington University placed #16 among the best occupational therapy/therapist schools. Huntington University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Huntington. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. Huntington University awarded about 51 occupational therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from Huntington University generally make around $67,834. Huntington University graduates carry a median of $28,332 in student loans. Read more about the occupational therapy/therapist program at Huntington University

17

Grand Valley State University placed #17 among the best occupational therapy/therapist schools. Located in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public university. Grand Valley State University graduates 67% of students within six years. Grand Valley State University awarded about 67 occupational therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Grand Valley State University earn a median of $65,197 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Read more about the occupational therapy/therapist program at Grand Valley State University

18

University Of Toledo placed #18 among the best occupational therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of Toledo, University Of Toledo is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. University Of Toledo awarded about 19 occupational therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from University Of Toledo generally make around $55,685. University Of Toledo graduates carry a median of $24,875 in student loans. See the full occupational therapy/therapist program report for University Of Toledo

19
University Of Indianapolis crest
University Of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

University Of Indianapolis placed #19 among the best occupational therapy/therapist schools. Located in the city of Indianapolis, University Of Indianapolis is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. University Of Indianapolis awarded about 52 occupational therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their occupational therapy/therapist degree from University Of Indianapolis earn around $70,588 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,699. Get the full occupational therapy/therapist details for University Of Indianapolis

20
Lewis University crest
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL

Lewis University came in at #20 for occupational therapy/therapist this year. Set in the suburb of Romeoville, Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. Lewis University awarded about 24 occupational therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their occupational therapy/therapist degree from Lewis University earn around $55,718 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,838. More information about a degree in occupational therapy/therapist from Lewis University

21
Elmhurst College crest
Elmhurst College
Elmhurst, IL

Elmhurst College landed the #21 spot for occupational therapy/therapist this year. Elmhurst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Elmhurst. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. About 24 occupational therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Elmhurst College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from Elmhurst College generally make around $65,792. Students borrow a median of $22,400 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in occupational therapy/therapist from Elmhurst College

22

The University Of Findlay earned the #22 position for occupational therapy/therapist this year. Set in the town of Findlay, The University Of Findlay is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 58% of students finish within six years. The University Of Findlay awarded about 29 occupational therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, occupational therapy/therapist degree recipients from The University Of Findlay generally make around $76,841. Typical student debt for the program is $25,759. Get the full occupational therapy/therapist details for The University Of Findlay

23

University Of Southern Indiana landed the #23 spot for occupational therapy/therapist this year. This large public university is located in the suburb of Evansville. About 48% of students finish within six years. About 29 occupational therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at University Of Southern Indiana in the most recent year. Students who receive their occupational therapy/therapist degree from University Of Southern Indiana earn around $64,181 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,999. Get the full occupational therapy/therapist details for University Of Southern Indiana

24
Walsh University crest
Walsh University
North Canton, OH

Walsh University came in at #24 for occupational therapy/therapist this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of North Canton. About 58% of students finish within six years. About 33 occupational therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Walsh University in the most recent year. Occupational Therapy/therapist graduates of Walsh University earn a median of $69,911 early in their careers. Walsh University graduates carry a median of $28,064 in student loans. More information about a degree in occupational therapy/therapist from Walsh University

25
Muskingum University crest
Muskingum University
New Concord, OH

Muskingum University came in at #25 for occupational therapy/therapist this year. Muskingum University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of New Concord. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. About 28 occupational therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Muskingum University in the most recent year. Graduates of the occupational therapy/therapist program make about $39,918 in their early career. Muskingum University graduates carry a median of $26,932 in student loans. More information about a degree in occupational therapy/therapist from Muskingum University

Rest of the Top 39 Occupational Therapy/Therapist Schools

These schools also placed among the best for occupational therapy/therapist this year:

26
27
Indiana State University crest
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN
28
Governors State University crest
Governors State University
University Park, IL
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
Davenport University crest
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI
36
37
Mount Mary College crest
Mount Mary College
Milwaukee, WI
38
39

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 47 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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