Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

Occupational therapy is a growing field. Here, we list the most affordable online doctorate programs in occupational therapy.
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Updated January 13, 2023

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Pursue a meaningful, fast-growing, and high-paying career with one of the most affordable online doctorate in occupational therapy.

In one of the nation’s fastest-growing occupations, occupational therapists assist people with physical or mental health challenges while they e-engage in daily activities. These activities may include eating, socializing, driving, bathing, caring for others, and much more.

Occupational therapists are employed in hospitals, outpatient clinics, mental health settings, schools, home health, and academia. They develop individualized care plans so people can successfully complete the activities they need and want to do.

Are you an occupational therapist looking to advance your current practice? These programs can help you develop an area of expertise, innovate existing methods, and secure a leadership role in OT. Each of these programs are affordable and online, so you can continue working in the field while building advanced skills and knowledge.

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What kind of doctorate in occupational therapy should you get?

Post-Professional doctorate programs are the most common, but you can also find entry-level doctorate programs. However, post-professional doctorate programs are shorter and often online. Most entry-level programs are on campus and involve extensive field experience requirements.

Whichever route you go, it’s likely that you can find both online and on campus options. Online programs offer you the flexibility to balance school, work, family, and other obligations. They can also be completed from anywhere, with no need to relocate. If you’re looking for an affordable online program but not sold on OT, check out our list of the 50 Most Affordable Online Graduate Schools.

How much money do people make with a doctorate in occupational therapy?

Your salary will depend on what occupational therapy field you decide to work in. A doctorate is not required to practice occupational therapy, so you may receive the same salary as someone with a master’s degree.

However, some organizations will pay more for your advanced degree. You can also pursue opportunities in leadership, research, and academia that may result in a higher salary.

Let’s look at a few career options and the median salary for each, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

In the next 10 years, occupational therapy jobs are expected to increase by 24 percent. That’s triple the average job growth rate. Occupational therapy is a high-paying career that’s also in high demand.

What can you do with a doctorate in occupational therapy?

A doctorate in occupational therapy prepares you to become a healthcare manager or to continue practicing occupational therapy in a school, clinic, hospital, or other medical setting.

Other options include becoming a college professor or a medical research scientist.

Your doctorate study will prepare you to evaluate and analyze existing programs and outcomes and develop innovative programs that benefit your practice, community, and the OT profession as a whole.

What are the requirements for a doctorate in occupational therapy?

To pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy, you will need a master’s degree. Some programs require that your master’s is in OT, while others do not. Post-professional doctorate programs accept only licensed occupational therapists in good standing. Some require at least 2-3 years of experience in the field.

Most of these programs are about 35 credits and take 2-3 years to complete on a part-time basis. You will take courses on current trends in OT, research and best practices, program evaluation, and more. Some programs allow you to create an individualized study plan or take additional electives in a chosen area of specialty.

You will likely be required to complete a capstone project, and you may be asked to visit campus at the beginning and end of your program. Some programs have field experience requirements that you can complete at your current workplace.

What are the most affordable doctorate in occupational therapy programs?

We’ve compiled a list of the most affordable doctorate in occupational therapy programs based on net tuition costs. Of course, you also want a program that will provide a high-quality education. That’s why each program on our list is also accredited, meaning they’ve met rigorous academic standards.

All College Choice data and information comes from trusted sources such as:

You can rest assured that every program on this list provides a high-quality, affordable, and flexible education. Whatever your aspirations in Occupational Therapy, these programs can  help you achieve them without breaking the bank.

Ranking

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

Bay Path University

  • Longmeadow, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Bay Path University, a private university, offers an online occupational therapy doctorate program. The online program incorporates doctoral courses to train graduates for careers in research, academia, and management. The online format makes it easier for working professionals to balance doctoral coursework with their other responsibilities.

Studies at the doctoral level examine theoretical, practical, and methodological issues in occupational therapy. Candidates specialize their degree by focusing on a subfield with their faculty advisor. Doctoral students write and defend a dissertation that demonstrates mastery in the occupational therapy field.

Bay Path University at a Glance:

Location: Longmeadow, Massachusetts

Admission Rate: 72%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $14,670

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $14,670

Percent Awarded Aid: 95%

Percent Awarded Loans: 87%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$35,081
Out-of-state
$35,081
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,670
Out-of-state
$14,670
Retention Rate
68%
Acceptance Rate
72%
Students Enrolled
3,324
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
62% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#2 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

Boston University

  • Boston, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The doctor of occupational therapy program at Boston University, a private institution, offers a flexible, online format. With an online doctorate in occupational therapy, graduates pursue opportunities in research, academia, and leadership. The flexible format and online classes help doctoral students balance graduate school with work and other responsibilities.

Doctoral studies emphasize advanced topics in occupational therapy, including theories, methodologies, and research methods. Candidates focus their program by choosing a specialization based on their interests or career goals. Doctoral students also complete a dissertation to demonstrate their expertise in occupational therapy.

Boston University at a Glance:

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Admission Rate: 19%

Total Doctoral Programs: 90

Total Online Doctoral Programs: 4

Student-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $54,720

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $54,720

Percent Awarded Aid: 55%

Percent Awarded Loans: 31%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$54,720
Out-of-state
$54,720
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$54,720
Out-of-state
$54,720
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
19%
Students Enrolled
33,720
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
10% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#3 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

Brenau University

  • Gainesville, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Doctoral students take classes online in the occupational therapy doctorate program at Brenau University, a private institution. This online doctorate builds an advanced understanding of occupational therapy and leads to careers in research, academia, and leadership. The online format makes it easier for busy students to schedule doctoral coursework around their other responsibilities.

Doctoral-level courses highlight cutting-edge knowledge, including theories, methodologies, and research. Candidates specialize their course of study to prepare for specific career paths after graduation. Doctoral students also complete a research-intensive project that contributes to the field.

Brenau University at a Glance:

Location: Gainesville, Georgia

Admission Rate: 58%

Total Doctoral Programs: 7

Total Online Doctoral Programs: 3

Student-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $12,834

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $12,834

Percent Awarded Aid: 97%

Percent Awarded Loans: 69%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,370
Out-of-state
$29,370
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,834
Out-of-state
$12,834
Retention Rate
52%
Acceptance Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
2,817
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
60% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

Chatham University

  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Chatham University, a private institution, enrolls doctoral students in its online post-professional occupational therapy program. This online doctorate prepares graduates for careers in research, academia, and leadership through a rigorous curriculum. The online format offers flexibility for working professionals, who can continue working while in graduate school.

Doctoral-level courses highlight cutting-edge occupational therapy knowledge, including theories, methodologies, and research. Candidates individualize their course of study by choosing a concentration. At the conclusion of the program, doctoral students defend their dissertation to demonstrate expertise in occupational therapy.

Chatham University at a Glance:

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Admission Rate: 62%

Total Doctoral Programs: 4

Total Online Doctoral Programs: 2

Student-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $17,766

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,766

Percent Awarded Aid: 100%

Percent Awarded Loans: 72%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$37,363
Out-of-state
$37,363
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,766
Out-of-state
$17,766
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
2,437
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
40% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#5 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

Concordia University-Wisconsin

  • Mequon, WI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Concordia University-Wisconsin, a private university, offers online doctorates, including a doctor of occupational therapy program. This online doctorate builds an advanced understanding of occupational therapy and leads to careers in research, academia, and leadership. The program's online format provides flexibility for working professionals, and doctoral students may be able to work full time while in school.

Doctoral-level courses incorporate cutting-edge research, with an emphasis on theories and methodologies. Candidates choose a specialization to focus the program and prepare for specific career paths. Doctoral students also complete a dissertation to demonstrate their expertise in occupational therapy.

Concordia University-Wisconsin at a Glance:

Location: Mequon, Wisconsin

Admission Rate: 64%

Total Doctoral Programs: 4

Total Online Doctoral Programs: 2

Student-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $11,052

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $11,052

Percent Awarded Aid: 100%

Percent Awarded Loans: 55%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,060
Out-of-state
$30,060
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,052
Out-of-state
$11,052
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
5,777
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

Creighton University

  • Omaha, NE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Creighton University, a private institution, enrolls doctoral students in its online entry-level doctor of occupational therapy program. This online doctorate builds advanced occupational therapy knowledge, preparing candidates for academic, research, and leadership roles. The online format appeals to working professionals interested in pursuing a doctorate while working.

Doctoral-level study trains learners in advanced occupational therapy topics, including theories, practices, and research methods. Candidates specialize their degree by focusing on a subfield with their faculty advisor. Doctoral students also complete a dissertation to demonstrate their expertise in occupational therapy.

Creighton University at a Glance:

Location: Omaha, Nebraska

Admission Rate: 74%

Total Doctoral Programs: 18

Total Online Doctoral Programs: 3

Student-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $16,128

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $16,128

Percent Awarded Aid: 99%

Percent Awarded Loans: 48%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$39,630
Out-of-state
$39,630
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,128
Out-of-state
$16,128
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
8,821
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
38% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

Governors State University

  • University Park, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A top public college, Governors State University offers an online doctor of occupational therapy. This online doctorate builds expertise in occupational therapy, preparing graduates for careers in research, academia, and management. The flexible online format helps working professionals balance graduate school with their other responsibilities.

Doctoral-level study emphasizes advanced research and incorporates theoretical and methodological issues in the field. Candidates individualize their course of study by choosing a concentration. Doctoral students also write and defend a dissertation to demonstrate their mastery of occupational therapy.

Governors State University at a Glance:

Location: University Park, Illinois

Admission Rate: 46%

Total Doctoral Programs: 5

Student-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $6,354

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $12,708

Percent Awarded Aid: 93%

Percent Awarded Loans: 56%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,512
Out-of-state
$15,024
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,354
Out-of-state
$12,708
Retention Rate
52%
Acceptance Rate
46%
Students Enrolled
4,789
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
31% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

Thomas Jefferson University

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Thomas Jefferson University, a private university, offers online doctorates, including a post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy. This online doctorate represents the highest degree in occupational therapy, leading to career opportunities in research, academia, and management. The flexible format makes it easier for doctoral students to continue working or schedule online courses around their other responsibilities.

Study at the doctoral level incorporates advanced knowledge, including theories, methodologies, and research. Candidates work with faculty advisors to choose specialized courses and prepare for the workforce. Doctoral students also complete a major research-based project to address an issue or question in occupational therapy.

Thomas Jefferson University at a Glance:

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Admission Rate: 66%

Total Doctoral Programs: 17

Student-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $21,420

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $21,420

Percent Awarded Aid: 99%

Percent Awarded Loans: 66%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$40,680
Out-of-state
$40,680
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$21,420
Out-of-state
$21,420
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
8,026
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
30% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#9 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

Misericordia University

  • Dallas, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Misericordia University, a private university, offers online doctorates, including a doctorate in occupational therapy. This online doctorate represents the highest degree in occupational therapy, leading to career opportunities in research, academia, and management. The flexible format makes it easier for doctoral students to continue working or schedule online courses around their other responsibilities.

Doctoral studies highlight the most advanced knowledge in the occupational therapy field, including theories, practices, and research methods. Candidates work with faculty advisors to choose specialized courses and prepare for the workforce. Doctoral students also complete a dissertation that contributes original research to the occupational therapy field.

Misericordia University at a Glance:

Location: Dallas, Pennsylvania

Admission Rate: 86%

Total Doctoral Programs: 3

Total Online Doctoral Programs: 2

Student-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $34,530

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $34,530

Percent Awarded Aid: 100%

Percent Awarded Loans: 71%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,800
Out-of-state
$32,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$34,530
Out-of-state
$34,530
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
2,503
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#10 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

Nova Southeastern University

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Nova Southeastern University, a private institution, enrolls doctoral students in its online occupational therapy program. With an online doctorate in occupational therapy, graduates pursue opportunities in research, academia, and leadership. The flexible format appeals to working professionals who want to maintain their work history while pursuing a doctorate.

Doctoral-level study trains learners in advanced topics, including theories, practices, and research methods. Candidates focus their program by choosing a specialization based on their interests or career goals. Doctoral students also complete a research-intensive project that contributes to the field.

Nova Southeastern University at a Glance:

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Admission Rate: 80%

Total Doctoral Programs: 37

Total Online Doctoral Programs: 9

Student-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $19,665

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $19,665

Percent Awarded Aid: 100%

Percent Awarded Loans: 49%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$31,150
Out-of-state
$31,150
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,665
Out-of-state
$19,665
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
20,576
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#11 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

Temple University

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The doctorate of occupational therapy program at Temple University, a public institution, offers a flexible, online format. This online doctorate represents the highest degree in occupational therapy, leading to career opportunities in research, academia, and management. The online format makes it possible for working professionals to continue working while pursuing a doctorate.

Study at the doctoral level emphasizes theoretical and methodological issues in occupational therapy. Candidates individualize their course of study by choosing a concentration. Doctoral students write and defend a dissertation that demonstrates mastery in the occupational therapy field.

Temple University at a Glance:

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Admission Rate: 60%

Total Doctoral Programs: 67

Total Online Doctoral Programs: 2

Student-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $16,956

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $23,346

Percent Awarded Aid: 90%

Percent Awarded Loans: 61%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,080
Out-of-state
$28,992
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,956
Out-of-state
$23,346
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
38,794
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
21% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#12 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

Texas Woman's University

  • Denton, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Texas Woman's University, a public university, offers online doctorates, including an entry-level doctor of occupational therapy program. As the terminal degree in occupational therapy, the doctorate prepares graduates for academic, research, and leadership positions. The online format helps working professionals balance doctoral coursework with their other obligations.

Doctoral studies highlight the most advanced knowledge in the field, including theories, practices, and research methods. Candidates individualize their course of study by choosing a concentration. Doctoral students write and defend a dissertation that demonstrates mastery in the field.

Texas Woman's University at a Glance:

Location: Denton, Texas

Admission Rate: 93%

Total Doctoral Programs: 23

Student-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $4,973

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $12,569

Percent Awarded Aid: 93%

Percent Awarded Loans: 46%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,430
Out-of-state
$15,559
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,973
Out-of-state
$12,569
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
15,886
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
60% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#13 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

Towson University

  • Towson, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Towson University, a public university, offers an online entry-level clinical doctorate in occupational therapy. The doctorate represents the highest degree in occupational therapy and prepares candidates for careers in research, academia, and leadership. The flexible format makes it easier for doctoral students to continue working or schedule online courses around their other responsibilities.

Study at the doctoral level examines theoretical, practical, and methodological issues in occupational therapy. Candidates work with faculty advisors to choose specialized courses and prepare for the workforce. At the conclusion of the program, doctoral students defend their dissertation to demonstrate expertise in occupational therapy.

Towson University at a Glance:

Location: Towson, Maryland

Admission Rate: 76%

Total Doctoral Programs: 4

Student-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $7,902

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $16,344

Percent Awarded Aid: 81%

Percent Awarded Loans: 48%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,962
Out-of-state
$21,098
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,902
Out-of-state
$16,344
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
22,709
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
23% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#14 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • Birmingham, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students interested in earning a doctorate online can pursue the clinical doctorate in occupational therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a public university. This online doctorate builds the highest level of knowledge in occupational therapy, preparing candidates for career paths in research, academia, and management. The online format allows busy students to continue working while earning a doctorate.

Doctoral-level study trains learners in advanced topics, including theories, practices, and research methods. Candidates work with faculty advisors to customize the degree by choosing a specialization. Doctoral students demonstrate expertise in the field by writing and defending a dissertation.

University of Alabama at Birmingham at a Glance:

Location: Birmingham, Alabama

Admission Rate: 74%

Total Doctoral Programs: 39

Student-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $8,100

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $19,188

Percent Awarded Aid: 95%

Percent Awarded Loans: 48%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,568
Out-of-state
$20,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,100
Out-of-state
$19,188
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
22,080
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#15 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Occupational Therapy Degrees

University of Kansas

  • Lawrence, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students seeking an online doctorate can enroll in the post-professional doctor of occupational therapy program at the University of Kansas, a public institution. As the highest degree in occupational therapy, the doctorate prepares candidates for positions in research, academia, and leadership. The flexible format and online classes help doctoral students balance graduate school with work and other responsibilities.

Doctoral-level classes cover occupational therapy theories, practices, and research methods, building an advanced knowledge of occupational therapy. Candidates choose a specialization within the field to focus their studies and prepare for specific career paths. Doctoral students also complete a dissertation to demonstrate their expertise in occupational therapy.

University of Kansas at a Glance:

Location: Lawrence, Kansas

Admission Rate: 93%

Total Doctoral Programs: 95

Total Online Doctoral Programs: 4

Student-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $9,989

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $23,951

Percent Awarded Aid: 85%

Percent Awarded Loans: 42%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,092
Out-of-state
$26,960
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,989
Out-of-state
$23,951
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
27,552
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
29% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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