Ranked results
States ranked for OT school choice
Start with the rank, key stats, decision context, and the reason each option lands where it does.
Rank #1
Florida
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Why we ranked it here Florida ranks #1 because it has 13 ranked OT programs, led by Florida Gulf Coast University. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 45.9.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, FL. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 13
- Active OT pathways
- 16
- Public value profiles
- 4
Rank #2
California
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Why we ranked it here California ranks #2 because it has 11 ranked OT programs, led by California State University, Dominguez Hills. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 98% passed in 2025; 98.4% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 69.6.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: California State University, Dominguez Hills in Carson, CA. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 11
- Active OT pathways
- 20
- Public value profiles
- 2
Rank #3
Massachusetts
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Why we ranked it here Massachusetts ranks #3 because it has 9 ranked OT programs, led by MGH Institute of Health Professions. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 67.3.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 9
- Active OT pathways
- 11
- Public value profiles
- 2
Rank #4
Pennsylvania
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Why we ranked it here Pennsylvania ranks #4 because it has 14 ranked OT programs, led by Messiah University. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 98.8% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 46.3.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 14
- Active OT pathways
- 26
- Public value profiles
- 3
Rank #5
Ohio
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Why we ranked it here Ohio ranks #5 because it has 7 ranked OT programs, led by Ohio State University. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 49.0.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 7
- Active OT pathways
- 12
- Public value profiles
- 5
Rank #6
Illinois
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Why we ranked it here Illinois ranks #6 because it has 7 ranked OT programs, led by Rush University. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 53.7.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: Rush University in Chicago, IL. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 7
- Active OT pathways
- 11
- Public value profiles
- 4
Rank #7
New Jersey
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Why we ranked it here New Jersey ranks #7 because it has 4 ranked OT programs, led by Stockton University. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 91% passed in 2025; 97.6% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 70.4.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: Stockton University in Galloway, NJ. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 4
- Active OT pathways
- 7
- Public value profiles
- 3
Rank #8
North Carolina
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Why we ranked it here North Carolina ranks #8 because it has 6 ranked OT programs, led by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 30.6.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 6
- Active OT pathways
- 12
- Public value profiles
- 5
Rank #9
Virginia
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Why we ranked it here Virginia ranks #9 because it has 5 ranked OT programs, led by Mary Baldwin University. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 45.5.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: Mary Baldwin University in Fishersville, VA. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 5
- Active OT pathways
- 9
- Public value profiles
- 4
Rank #10
Texas
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Why we ranked it here Texas ranks #10 because it has 4 ranked OT programs, led by University of Texas at Tyler. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 96% passed in 2025; 98.4% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 58.1.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: University of Texas at Tyler in Tyler, TX. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 4
- Active OT pathways
- 17
- Public value profiles
- 5
Rank #11
Indiana
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Why we ranked it here Indiana ranks #11 because it has 6 ranked OT programs, led by Indiana University. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 99.4% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 43.0.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: Indiana University in Indianapolis, IN. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 6
- Active OT pathways
- 9
- Public value profiles
- 3
Rank #12
Michigan
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Why we ranked it here Michigan ranks #12 because it has 5 ranked OT programs, led by Saginaw Valley State University. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 98.8% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 36.0.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: Saginaw Valley State University in University Center, MI. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 5
- Active OT pathways
- 8
- Public value profiles
- 5
Rank #13
Tennessee
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Why we ranked it here Tennessee ranks #13 because it has 7 ranked OT programs, led by Belmont University. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 26.9.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: Belmont University in Nashville, TN. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 7
- Active OT pathways
- 9
- Public value profiles
- 3
Rank #14
Missouri
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Why we ranked it here Missouri ranks #14 because it has 6 ranked OT programs, led by Missouri State University. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 40.2.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 6
- Active OT pathways
- 9
- Public value profiles
- 2
Rank #15
New York
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Why we ranked it here New York ranks #15 because it has 13 ranked OT programs, led by University at Buffalo, State University of New York. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 96.0% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 52.5.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: University at Buffalo, State University of New York in Buffalo, NY. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 13
- Active OT pathways
- 29
- Public value profiles
- 0
Rank #16
Wisconsin
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Why we ranked it here Wisconsin ranks #16 because it has 5 ranked OT programs, led by University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 100.0% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 39.0.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in LaCrosse, WI. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 5
- Active OT pathways
- 9
- Public value profiles
- 2
Rank #17
Washington
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Why we ranked it here Washington ranks #17 because it has 3 ranked OT programs, led by University of Washington. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 96% passed in 2025; 98.4% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 51.4.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 3
- Active OT pathways
- 6
- Public value profiles
- 2
Rank #18
Arkansas
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Why we ranked it here Arkansas ranks #18 because it has 2 ranked OT programs, led by University of Central Arkansas. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 98% passed in 2025; 98.8% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 62.5.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 2
- Active OT pathways
- 5
- Public value profiles
- 2
Rank #19
Arizona
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Why we ranked it here Arizona ranks #19 because it has 4 ranked OT programs, led by A.T. Still University, Arizona School of Health Sciences. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 98.8% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 40.8.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: A.T. Still University, Arizona School of Health Sciences in Mesa, AZ. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 4
- Active OT pathways
- 5
- Public value profiles
- 1
Rank #20
Minnesota
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Why we ranked it here Minnesota ranks #20 because it has 3 ranked OT programs, led by College of St. Scholastica. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 99.4% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 38.7.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 3
- Active OT pathways
- 4
- Public value profiles
- 1
Rank #21
Georgia
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Why we ranked it here Georgia ranks #21 because it has 2 ranked OT programs, led by Augusta University. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 99.6% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 36.6.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: Augusta University in Augusta, GA. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 2
- Active OT pathways
- 5
- Public value profiles
- 3
Rank #22
Kentucky
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Why we ranked it here Kentucky ranks #22 because it has 1 ranked OT program, led by Murray State University-Paducah Regional Campus. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 97.6% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 35.8.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: Murray State University-Paducah Regional Campus in Paducah, KY. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 1
- Active OT pathways
- 4
- Public value profiles
- 3
Rank #23
Connecticut
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Why we ranked it here Connecticut ranks #23 because it has 2 ranked OT programs, led by Quinnipiac University. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 95% passed in 2025; 99.0% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 67.1.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 2
- Active OT pathways
- 4
- Public value profiles
- 0
Rank #24
Maine
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Why we ranked it here Maine ranks #24 because it has 3 ranked OT programs, led by University of New England. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 100% passed in 2025; 97.0% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 40.8.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: University of New England in Portland, ME. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 3
- Active OT pathways
- 4
- Public value profiles
- 1
Rank #25
New Hampshire
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Why we ranked it here New Hampshire ranks #25 because it has 2 ranked OT programs, led by University of New Hampshire. The state offers both a strong first option and enough alternatives to compare. The leading program reports 93% passed in 2025; 96.2% average, 2021-2025. The statewide OT job-market score is 44.7.
Who it may suitApplicants who want to choose a state first, then compare local OT programs, public value signals, and labor-market context.
Keep in mindTop ranked state shortlist profile: University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH. Cost, admissions, fieldwork geography, and commute are treated as program-fit context.
- Ranked OT programs
- 2
- Active OT pathways
- 3
- Public value profiles
- 1
Decision guide
How to use this ranking
Use this ranking when geography is part of the school decision and you want to compare states while comparing individual OT programs.
Use it this way
- Start with the state ranking to find markets with both school depth and career context.
- Open the state page to review the ranked OT shortlist, OTA pathways, programs with limited public outcome data, local metros, and full program directory.
- Use the state rank as a location screen, then compare individual programs by outcome history, total cost, fieldwork, format, and admissions fit.
Decision factors
- Does the state have multiple ranked OT programs or just one standout option?
- Are there public value profiles that can anchor a lower-debt application list?
- Would I be willing to stay in this state for fieldwork or my first job if the local market shapes my options?