Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Masters Programs

Badge for CHEAPEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
By Dr. James Barham
Published:

Which are the most affordable online master’s in occupational therapy degree programs in the US? The top ranked colleges have a high NBCOT pass rate.

Key Takeaways

  • The demand for occupational therapists is growing at a much faster rate than many other occupations.
  • Many affordable master’s in occupational therapy are hybrid programs, which are a mix of online and on-campus courses plus field experience.
  • The best online master’s in occupational therapy programs are regionally accredited and have a high National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) pass rate.

Best Affordable Online Master's in Occupational Therapy Degree Programs

Sort by:
  1. Barry University
  2. Trinity Washington University
  3. New England Institute of Technology
  4. Mount Mary University
  5. Concordia University Wisconsin
  1. Barry University
  2. Trinity Washington University
  3. Concordia University Wisconsin
  4. Mount Mary University
  5. New England Institute of Technology
  1. Trinity Washington University 97%
  2. New England Institute of Technology 74%
  3. Concordia University Wisconsin 70%
  4. Mount Mary University 69%
  5. Barry University 60%
  1. Barry University 12 to 1
  2. Trinity Washington University 12 to 1
  3. New England Institute of Technology 12 to 1
  4. Concordia University Wisconsin 11 to 1
  5. Mount Mary University 9 to 1
  1. New England Institute of Technology $33,900
  2. Mount Mary University $33,390
  3. Concordia University Wisconsin $33,062
  4. Barry University $32,500
  5. Trinity Washington University $25,610
  1. Mount Mary University $18,848
  2. Barry University $17,820
  3. Trinity Washington University $15,120
  4. New England Institute of Technology $15,000
  5. Concordia University Wisconsin $12,042
  1. Concordia University Wisconsin
  2. Mount Mary University
  3. New England Institute of Technology
  4. Trinity Washington University
  5. Barry University
  1. New England Institute of Technology
  2. Mount Mary University
  3. Concordia University Wisconsin
  4. Trinity Washington University
  5. Barry University
  1. Barry University 60%
  2. Mount Mary University 69%
  3. Concordia University Wisconsin 70%
  4. New England Institute of Technology 74%
  5. Trinity Washington University 97%
  1. Mount Mary University 9 to 1
  2. Concordia University Wisconsin 11 to 1
  3. Barry University 12 to 1
  4. Trinity Washington University 12 to 1
  5. New England Institute of Technology 12 to 1
  1. Trinity Washington University $25,610
  2. Barry University $32,500
  3. Concordia University Wisconsin $33,062
  4. Mount Mary University $33,390
  5. New England Institute of Technology $33,900
  1. Concordia University Wisconsin $12,042
  2. New England Institute of Technology $15,000
  3. Trinity Washington University $15,120
  4. Barry University $17,820
  5. Mount Mary University $18,848

Consider becoming an occupational therapist if you want an exciting and rewarding career. Occupational therapy is one of the best careers for people wanting job stability and growth.

Occupational therapists develop personal relationships with their patients and instruct them on useful, practical ways to live independently.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the occupational therapy field to grow by about 14% from 2021 to 2031. This job growth data means that the field of occupational therapy has a significant, faster-than-average increase in employment.

The BLS estimated that there would be 10,100 new occupational therapy job openings nationwide each year, which is why many students are interested in pursuing an occupational therapy education.

Bottom Line: Occupational therapy is a growing and in-demand field that can provide stability and opportunities for career advancement for students with a master’s degree in occupational therapy.


How We Made This Ranking of Online Master’s in Occupational Therapy Programs

An online master’s degree in occupational therapy is the entry point for becoming an occupational therapist. However, traditional brick-and-mortar degrees are expensive, and some students, typically working adults, lack the financial resources to pay for them.

The cost of higher education is becoming more and more expensive. The average cost of a master’s degree program is $62,650, according to the Education Data Initiative. This can be prohibitive to many students.

To help students with limited financial resources pursue their career aspirations, we developed a list of the most affordable master of occupational therapy online programs based on the following criteria:

  • The occupational therapy schools should be regionally accredited, and the program must be accredited by the ACOTE (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education) of the AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association).
  • The school must offer an affordable tuition rate, capped only slightly higher than the national average cost for master’s degree programs in occupational therapy.
  • The school must have robust financial aid opportunities for prospective occupational therapy students.
  • The school must allow students to complete some of their occupational therapy coursework online.
  • The college must have a high National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) pass rate.

Key Point: The schools in this ranking offer hybrid/online occupational therapy graduate programs. These types of programs allow students to complete a portion of their coursework online and participate in on-campus courses on the weekends.

A hybrid program in occupational therapy is a great option for busy occupational therapy students in maintaining their current employment while pursuing their educational objectives.


Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Masters Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Barry University

    Miami , FL
    #14 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #8 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for Occupational Therapy degree at Barry University

    Cost of Degree: $17,910
    Expenses: $18,058
    Starting Salary: $50,991
    Salary after 4 years: $56,059
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Barry University known for?

    Barry University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Hybrid Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

    Average Graduate Tuition per Year: $17,820

    The Barry University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is known for providing students with low tuition fees and several financial aid opportunities. One of the program’s most sought-after sources of financial assistance is the HRSA Scholarship, which is given to deserving students to reduce their educational tuition costs. Nevertheless, the competitive, cost-effective tuition at Barry guarantees all the benefits of private school education.

    Entry-level students are accepted into the program but must complete 74-75 credits instead of 35-36 credit hours that people with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy must take. This is to ensure that all students have the knowledge base and opportunity to be successful.

    Occupational therapy coursework is divided into two-course sequences: Clinical Foundation Courses and Advanced Professional Skills Courses. Entry-level students will complete Level I and Level II fieldwork. All Level II fieldwork must be satisfactorily completed within 24 months.

    Sample courses:

    • Neuroscience Fundamentals for Occupational Therapy
    • Activities of Daily Living: Strategies for Special Needs
    • Clinical Practicum and Seminar
    • Professional Issues
    • Assistive Technology

    Most of the faculty of Barry’s occupational therapy program are working professionals; they hold separate jobs on weekdays and teach on weekends. They are distinctive due to their commitment to adult learners’ alternative education.

    Barry University graduates had an 88% NBCOT pass rate in 2022.

    Barry University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Trinity Washington University

    Washington , DC
    #4 Best Small Colleges in DC 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024 #8 Best Colleges in DC 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Occupational Therapy degree at Trinity Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $15,120
    Expenses: $15,080
    Starting Salary: $43,177
    Salary after 4 years: $47,468
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Trinity Washington University known for?

    Trinity Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Master of Occupational Therapy

    Average Graduate Tuition per Semester: $14,310

    The Master of Occupational Therapy at Trinity Washington University is a mix of on-campus and online learning that lasts up to seven semesters. Students attend eight weekends worth of classes each semester with courses that develop their active learning, hard and soft skills, and case-based problem-solving skills.

    While the basic and advanced curriculum is delivered online through lectures, directed readings, and conversations, students must complete observation and supervised occupational therapy practice as part of their concurrent clinical assignments in various clinical practice settings.

    The time-to-degree for the master of occupational therapy at TWU is 2.5 years, five semesters plus practical learning experience. Clinical assignments include two placements of full-time fieldwork lasting 12 weeks each.

    TWU partners with several settings to provide top-notch practical learning experiences for their graduate students. Some of the clinical/internship partners include Sibley Hospital (Johns Hopkins), Community of Hope, PACE Center, National Rehabilitation Hospital, and Community of Hope.

    Featured courses of the occupational therapy program:

    • Functional Anatomy and Physiology - Movement and Occupation
    • Administration, Management, and Leadership
    • Research to Practice
    • Interventions for Participation, Health, and Aging
    • Environments and Technology

    This hybrid occupational therapy degree program is one of the most competitive occupational therapy degrees on our list. Students should maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on all coursework to graduate.

    Occupational therapy students with an F will be immediately dismissed and can reapply after 12 months from dismissal. However, readmission to the program is not assured by reapplying.

    Trinity Washington University occupational therapy program graduates had a 90% NBCOT pass rate in 2022.

    Compare school

  3. #3

    New England Institute of Technology

    East Greenwich , RI
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Occupational Therapy degree at New England Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $15,900
    Expenses: $21,870
    Starting Salary: $45,882
    Salary after 4 years: $50,442
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is New England Institute of Technology known for?

    New England Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

    Average Graduate Tuition per Semester: $10,340

    New England Institute of Technology’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is one of the cheapest degrees in occupational therapy on our list. The program specializes in students with a bachelor’s degree in a related field and ROTA certification.

    This master’s of occupational therapy program (MOT) is completed in a hybrid learning format, allowing aspiring registered occupational therapists to pursue their dreams of professionally advancing to leadership roles without sacrificing their current responsibilities.

    Students can complete all the required occupational therapy coursework in 2.5 years. Students will develop the skills necessary to play a key role in rehabilitation teams that help individuals of all ages and abilities recover from ailments and achieve independence and self-sufficiency.

    The coursework will equip graduates to assess, create, and carry out personalized treatment programs while managing occupational therapy assistants and other staff. Students must complete 113 quarter credit hours and explore various courses, such as:

    • Service Delivery Models in Occupational Therapy
    • Functional Neuroscience
    • Theoretical and Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy
    • Service Management for Adult Rehabilitation
    • Service Management in Pediatrics

    Students will start their occupational therapy fieldwork during the fourth term of the program and have several opportunities to showcase what they’ve learned in lectures. There are also two full-time and twelve-week Level II Fieldwork experiences. Students will be qualified to sit for the National Certification Exam for Occupational Therapists if they have completed all degree requirements.

    New England Institute of Technology graduates had an 86% NBCOT pass rate in 2022.

    Compare school

  5. #4

    Mount Mary University

    Milwaukee , WI
    #14 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Occupational Therapy degree at Mount Mary University

    Cost of Degree: $19,408
    Expenses: $17,486
    Starting Salary: $43,077
    Salary after 4 years: $47,358
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mount Mary University known for?

    Mount Mary University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Hybrid Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

    Average Graduate Tuition per Year: $27,125

    Mount Mary University’s Online Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is a hybrid degree program best suited for students who want to graduate faster. With an average completion time of 28 months, MMU’s 67-credit MOT is one of the fastest, most accelerated online occupational therapy programs. This hybrid degree program combines online courses with fieldwork, culminating projects, and practical experience.

    Students will dedicate 21 months of on-campus courses and six months of online distance learning fieldwork in various clinical settings. This degree is the best fit for students residing in Wisconsin.

    Upon completing courses and fieldwork, students will spend one month completing a culminating project and gaining practical experience. Students pursuing a doctorate can easily transfer credits to the hybrid Occupational Therapy Doctorate.

    Students in the master’s in occupational therapy degree program online will focus on courses that will build skills that will help to position them at the top of their field. Sample coursework includes:

    • Human Anatomy
    • Applied Kinesiology
    • Clinical Reasoning
    • Statistical Literacy

    In addition to low tuition costs, Mount Mary University also offers a number of financial aid opportunities to help struggling students. Tuition reductions, graduate assistantships, and federal financial support are available to graduate students. MMU’s financial assistance committee can also help OT students apply for external scholarships, such as those from private organizations.

    Mount Mary University graduates had an 87% NBCOT pass rate in 2022.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Concordia University Wisconsin

    Mequon , WI
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for Occupational Therapy degree at Concordia University Wisconsin

    Cost of Degree: $12,174
    Expenses: $19,260
    Starting Salary: $47,385
    Salary after 4 years: $52,094
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Concordia University Wisconsin known for?

    Concordia University Wisconsin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Master of Occupational Therapy

    Average Graduate Tuition per Semester: $15,237

    Concordia University Wisconsin offers an affordable and accessible master of occupational therapy degree program that allows students to enroll in a hybrid learning format. There are three tracks to enter the program: Accelerated, Bridge, and Post-Baccalaureate.

    • Accelerated Track: The accelerated track is designed for applicants to want to earn their bachelor’s and master’s simultaneously in 4.5 years.
    • Bridge Program: The Bridge program is for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants who want to become Registered Occupational Therapists.
    • Post-Baccalaureate: The post-baccalaureate is for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a non-related field.

    Course progression varies by track. But in general, students are required to complete the following graduate-level courses, among others:

    • Concepts of Occupation
    • Functional Anatomy
    • Research in Practice I
    • Personal Advocacy & Leadership
    • Clinical Reasoning: Behavioral Health

    The hybrid program combines online and on-campus courses, laboratory, and supervised clinic-based education. Students have several opportunities to interact with clients from all demographics. Experiences range from client evaluation and consultation in a classroom or community environment to clinical fieldwork placements.

    The MOT at CUW offers faith-based instruction, encouraging students to develop a global worldview. To earn the degree, students must complete 87 credit hours of occupational therapy coursework.

    The curriculum allows students to explore the entry-level occupational therapy doctorate (OTD). Students will then have the option of either staying in the Master of OT program or applying to the OTD program.

    Concordia University Wisconsin graduates had a 100% NBCOT pass rate in 2022.

    Concordia University Wisconsin’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
    • Nurse Educator
    • Healthcare Informatics
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Analytics and Change Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Management of Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Radiologic Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Occupational Therapy Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Occupational Therapy/Therapist

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,689
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,497
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $57,500
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $63,170
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 6 years
  • Job Growth: 16.45%
  • Number of Jobs: 402,400
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Physical Therapists15.11%$93,244
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary19.10%$87,995
Occupational Therapists11.46%$87,705
Orthotists and Prosthetists14.74%$73,178
Therapists, All Other12.29%$61,707

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$47,948$81,171$128,164

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Arkansas16% higher than average$111,949
#3 Mississippi18% higher than average$94,133
#4 Oregon11% higher than average$119,192
#5 Texas10% higher than average$96,045
#6 Ohio14% higher than average$86,386

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Physical Therapists$93,244
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$87,995
Occupational Therapists$87,705
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

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Salary and Career Opportunities for Occupational Therapy Graduates

The median annual wage for the occupational therapy profession is $85,570, which is significantly higher than many other occupations in the United States.

Moreover, an occupational therapist makes more money on average than many other professionals in nursing and health professions. The typical pay for registered nurses is $77,600, speech-language pathologists ($79,060), dental hygienists ($77,810), radiologic technologists ($61,980).

A more experienced occupational therapist in the higher 10% earns a median of $123,840 annually.

Graduates of occupational therapy programs offer various career opportunities besides occupational therapy. The following careers accept unlicensed and licensed occupational therapists; however, some may require additional certifications.

Care Manager

Care managers identify the physical, psychological, and social requirements of patients. They also create care plans, organize services and resources, track patient progress, and give patients and their families information and support.

Ergonomist

Both ergonomists and occupational therapists offer ergonomic services. Ergonomics is a common area of interest for occupational therapists specializing in workplace prevention and intervention. Ergonomists ensure that tasks, goods, and work processes are compatible with human performance.

Health Improvement Practitioner

As a health improvement practitioner, you will participate in regional initiatives that can support lifestyle and behavior change. You can also work with particular groups depending on the role and location.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Are online occupational therapy master’s degree programs cheaper than traditional degrees?

In some situations, online undergraduate and graduate degree programs in occupational therapy will save you money. You do not have to pay for moving expenses, transportation, or on-campus accommodation if you enroll in an occupational therapy master’s program online.

Are there financial aid opportunities in occupational therapy beyond federal assistance?

Numerous financial programs are available for occupational therapy students, including the Ruth Peterson Memorial Financial, the Carlotta Welles Scholarship, and the AMBUCS Scholarship for Therapists.

Will a prospective employer accept my online master’s in occupational therapy?

An accredited occupational therapy program online is legit and has the same curriculum as its on-campus counterpart; therefore, employers will acknowledge your online degree.

Besides, online degree programs in occupational therapy are not 100% online. Online masters in occupational therapy programs will require you to participate in a hands-on fieldwork experience. Typically, you will engage in two 12-week fieldwork experiences.

Is a master’s in occupational therapy degree a terminal degree?

The highest degree in a certain field is called a “terminal degree.” Because a doctoral-level degree is available, a master’s degree is not a terminal degree.

Should students pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy?

The answer depends on your goals. If you want to teach at postsecondary schools and do research, you should pursue an OTD.

If you have no plans to teach and research, then pursuing a doctorate is not highly suggested. However, because every sector has its own prerequisites, it’s crucial to carefully research what you’ll need academically before you pursue a particular field.

What are the differences between occupational therapy and physical therapy?

Physical and occupational therapists are equally important in the medical field. Physical therapy focuses on increasing a client’s capacity to move the human body, whereas occupational therapy focuses on improving a client’s ability to do activities required in daily living.

Where can a licensed occupational therapist work?

Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, and outpatient care facilities all employ licensed occupational therapists. They frequently collaborate with other speech- or physical therapists. Patients may also receive care from an occupational therapist in their homes.

What are the most common online admission requirements for occupational therapy at the graduate level?

Admission requirements for occupational therapy master’s programs vary. But in general, prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree and complete prerequisite courses in the physical sciences, health sciences, math, medical terminology, and statistics.

Additionally, applicants for online OT master’s programs typically need to submit transcripts from their undergraduate institutions, a resume, results from graduate entrance exams, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

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