School value ranking

Best Public OT Programs by Value

Compare current primary public OT master's and doctoral pathways by tuition, debt, institution-wide completion, and state labor-market context.

SchoolsPublic programsValueACOTE
San Jose State University campus representing public OT program value comparison.
Use the ranked list as a shortlist screen, then open the profile rows to check accreditation, outcome history, format, and cost.

Ranked results

Public OT pathways ranked by cost and value

Start with the rank, key stats, decision context, and the reason each option lands where it does.

83 ranked options
#1A+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$6,381
Median debt$15,000
Completion91%Institution-level
LocationGainesville, FL
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #1 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of Florida's main advantage is price: $6,381 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $15,000 median debt and 91% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #1 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in Gainesville, FL. ACOTE next review 2027/2028. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2027/2028
#2Aof 83 ranked
Acceptance rate85%Institution-level
Enrollment27,601Undergraduate
In-state tuition$8,410
Median debt$15,000
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #2 ranks here + 4 source facts

Why we ranked it here San Jose State University's main advantage is price: $8,410 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $15,000 median debt and 69% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #2 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT doctorate and OT master's programs in San Jose, CA. ACOTE next review 2031/2032. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Location
San Jose, CA
Program
OT doctorate and OT master's programs
Completion
69%Institution-level
ACOTE review
2031/2032
#3Aof 83 ranked
In-state tuition$6,565
Median debt$16,500
Completion74%Institution-level
LocationMiami, FL
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #3 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Florida International University's main advantage is price: $6,565 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $16,500 median debt and 74% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #3 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Miami, FL. ACOTE next review 2028/2029. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2028/2029
#4Aof 83 ranked
In-state tuition$7,449
Median debt$13,807
Completion43%Institution-level
LocationCarson, CA
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #4 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here California State University, Dominguez Hills's main advantage is price: $7,449 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $13,807 median debt and 43% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #4 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT doctorate and OT master's programs in Carson, CA. ACOTE next review 2031/2032. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT doctorate and OT master's programs
ACOTE review
2031/2032
#5A-of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$8,994
Median debt$14,000
Completion91%Institution-level
LocationChapel Hill, NC
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #5 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's main advantage is price: $8,994 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $14,000 median debt and 91% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #5 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Chapel Hill, NC. ACOTE next review 2030/2031. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2030/2031
#6A-of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$6,118
Median debt$17,622
Completion57%Institution-level
LocationFort Myers, FL
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #6 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Florida Gulf Coast University's main advantage is price: $6,118 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $17,622 median debt and 57% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #6 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Fort Myers, FL. ACOTE next review 2026/2027. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2026/2027
#7A-of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$9,987
Median debt$12,950
Completion51%Institution-level
LocationEdinburg, TX
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #7 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's main advantage is price: $9,987 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $12,950 median debt and 51% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #7 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in Edinburg, TX. ACOTE next review 2030/2031. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2030/2031
#8A-of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$8,090
Median debt$20,500
Completion55%Institution-level
LocationJonesboro, AR
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #8 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Arkansas State University-Jonesboro's main advantage is price: $8,090 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $20,500 median debt and 55% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #8 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in Jonesboro, AR. ACOTE next review 2034/2035. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2034/2035
#9A-of 83 ranked
Acceptance rate39%Institution-level
Enrollment31,942Undergraduate
In-state tuition$12,973
Median debt$14,615
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #9 ranks here + 4 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of Washington's main advantage is price: $12,973 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $14,615 median debt and 85% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #9 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Seattle, WA. ACOTE next review 2031/2032. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Location
Seattle, WA
Program
OT master's program
Completion
85%Institution-level
ACOTE review
2031/2032
#10A-of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$7,579
Median debt$20,231
Completion75%Institution-level
LocationBoone, NC
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #10 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Appalachian State University's main advantage is price: $7,579 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $20,231 median debt and 75% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #10 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Boone, NC. ACOTE next review 2032/2033. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2032/2033
#11A-of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$9,736
Median debt$17,137
Completion54%Institution-level
LocationTyler, TX
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #11 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of Texas at Tyler's main advantage is price: $9,736 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $17,137 median debt and 54% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #11 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Tyler, TX. ACOTE next review 2027/2028. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2027/2028
#12A-of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$5,785
Median debt$23,548
Completion53%Institution-level
LocationTallahassee, FL
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #12 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University's main advantage is price: $5,785 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $23,548 median debt and 53% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #12 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Tallahassee, FL. ACOTE next review 2029/2030. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2029/2030
#13B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$8,640
Median debt$19,218
Completion49%Institution-level
LocationDenton, TX
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #13 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Texas Woman's University's main advantage is price: $8,640 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $19,218 median debt and 49% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #13 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in Denton, TX. ACOTE next review 2029/2030. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2029/2030
#14B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$9,011
Median debt$20,500
Completion53%Institution-level
LocationSan Antonio, TX
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #14 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here The University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center's main advantage is price: $9,011 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $20,500 median debt and 53% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #14 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in San Antonio, TX. ACOTE next review 2025/2026. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2025/2026
#15B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$9,744
Median debt$18,000
Completion50%Institution-level
LocationEl Paso, TX
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #15 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of Texas at El Paso's main advantage is price: $9,744 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $18,000 median debt and 50% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #15 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in El Paso, TX. ACOTE next review 2031/2032. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2031/2032
#16B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$11,786
Median debt$19,500
Completion61%Institution-level
LocationWorcester, MA
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #16 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Worcester State University's main advantage is price: $11,786 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $19,500 median debt and 61% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #16 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Worcester, MA. ACOTE next review 2030/2031. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2030/2031
#17B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$11,603
Median debt$20,484
Completion90%Institution-level
LocationMadison, WI
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #17 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of Wisconsin-Madison's main advantage is price: $11,603 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $20,484 median debt and 90% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #17 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in Madison, WI. ACOTE next review 2030/2031. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2030/2031
#18B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$13,244
Median debt$19,976
Completion88%Institution-level
LocationColumbus, OH
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #18 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Ohio State University's main advantage is price: $13,244 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $19,976 median debt and 88% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #18 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in Columbus, OH. ACOTE next review 2032/2033. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2032/2033
#19B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$10,523
Median debt$20,346
Completion54%Institution-level
LocationConway, AR
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #19 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of Central Arkansas's main advantage is price: $10,523 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $20,346 median debt and 54% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #19 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in Conway, AR. ACOTE next review 2026/2027. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2026/2027
#20B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$3,648
Median debt$25,000
Completion44%Institution-level
LocationPembroke, NC
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #20 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of North Carolina at Pembroke's main advantage is price: $3,648 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $25,000 median debt and 44% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #20 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Pembroke, NC. ACOTE next review 2032/2033. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2032/2033
#21B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$8,586
Median debt$19,500
Completion43%Institution-level
LocationSpokane, WA
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #21 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Eastern Washington University (OTM)'s main advantage is price: $8,586 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $19,500 median debt and 43% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #21 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Spokane, WA. ACOTE next review 2034/2035. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2034/2035
#22B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$7,361
Median debt$22,750
Completion63%Institution-level
LocationGreenville, NC
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #22 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here East Carolina University's main advantage is price: $7,361 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $22,750 median debt and 63% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #22 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT doctorate and OT master's programs in Greenville, NC. ACOTE next review 2032/2033. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT doctorate and OT master's programs
ACOTE review
2032/2033
#23B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$5,038
Median debt$19,000
Completion25%Institution-level
LocationCochran, GA
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #23 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Middle Georgia State University's main advantage is price: $5,038 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $19,000 median debt and 25% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #23 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Cochran, GA. ACOTE next review 2030/2031. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2030/2031
#24B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$11,728
Median debt$18,718
Completion69%Institution-level
LocationTowson, MD
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #24 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Towson University's main advantage is price: $11,728 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $18,718 median debt and 69% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #24 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT doctorate and OT master's programs in Towson, MD. ACOTE next review 2028/2029. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT doctorate and OT master's programs
ACOTE review
2028/2029
#25Bof 83 ranked
In-state tuition$10,140
Median debt$18,450
Completion55%Institution-level
LocationAlbuquerque, NM
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #25 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of New Mexico's main advantage is price: $10,140 in-state tuition. College Scorecard reports $18,450 median debt and 55% for the institution as a whole. Those numbers, together with the state job market and ACOTE review timing, put it at #25 for public-program value.

Who it may suitApplicants comparing public OT pathways where lower price, manageable debt, and state labor-market context matter.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Albuquerque, NM. ACOTE next review 2031/2032. College Scorecard cost, debt, and completion values are institution-level signals, not OT-program-specific tuition or outcomes.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2031/2032

Decision guide

How to use this ranking

Use this ranking when you want a lower-cost OT path without ignoring outcomes, accreditation, and local opportunity.

Use it this way

  • Use public program value as a price anchor even if you are considering private programs.
  • Compare tuition and debt with NBCOT outcomes, completion context, and state opportunity.
  • Open value profiles to see which figures are institution-level and which details are program-specific.

Decision factors

  • Is the lower-cost program strong enough on outcomes and support?
  • How much debt would I avoid compared with my other acceptances?
  • Does the state market support the setting I want after graduation?

Scoring

What the score weighs

Each ranking weighs different factors. Review them before treating any rank as a final answer.

Affordability40%

College Scorecard in-state tuition, indexed against the ranked public-program set.

State opportunity25%

The OT Index state-market score using BLS wage, employment depth, employment density, and location quotient.

Institution-wide completion rate20%

College Scorecard completion rate for the institution as a whole, not the OT program.

Debt pressure15%

College Scorecard median debt for completers at the institution level.

FAQ

Common questions about this ranking

These answers explain how to read the ranking, what the data can show, and what to double-check before deciding.

How should I use Best Public OT Programs by Value?

Use this ranking when you want a lower-cost OT path without ignoring outcomes, accreditation, and local opportunity.

What sources does this ranking use?

ACOTE school directory, College Scorecard institution-level cost and outcomes data, and The OT Index BLS state-market score. The page links to the primary source material used for the ranking.

What can this ranking miss?

College Scorecard figures describe the institution as a whole. They are not OT-program-specific tuition, debt, or completion rates. NBCOT pass-rate outcomes should still be reviewed separately because this value ranking prioritizes cost, debt, completion, and state labor-market context.

What should I read next?

Use this ranking with OT school cost and debt guide, Public OT value profiles, How to choose an OT school.

Keep comparing

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