Cost ranking

Lowest-Cost Public OT Programs

Compare public OT programs by published in-state tuition first, then use debt, completion, accreditation timing, and value context before treating price as fit.

Public OTTuitionDebtCollege ScorecardACOTE
Public university campus representing lower-cost OT program 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 programs ranked by lowest in-state tuition

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$3,648
Median debt$25,000
Completion44%Institution-level
LocationPembroke, NC
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #1 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of North Carolina at Pembroke ranks #1 because $3,648 in-state tuition is the lowest published tuition figure in the field. College Scorecard reports $25,000 median debt and 44% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Pembroke, NC. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

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

Why we ranked it here Middle Georgia State University ranks #2 because $5,038 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $19,000 median debt and 25% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Cochran, GA. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2030/2031
#3Aof 83 ranked
In-state tuition$5,785
Median debt$23,548
Completion53%Institution-level
LocationTallahassee, FL
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #3 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University ranks #3 because $5,785 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $23,548 median debt and 53% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Tallahassee, FL. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2029/2030
#4Aof 83 ranked
In-state tuition$6,118
Median debt$17,622
Completion57%Institution-level
LocationFort Myers, FL
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #4 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Florida Gulf Coast University ranks #4 because $6,118 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $17,622 median debt and 57% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Fort Myers, FL. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2026/2027
#5A-of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$6,126
Median debt$25,000
Completion47%Institution-level
LocationWinston-Salem, NC
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #5 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Winston-Salem State University ranks #5 because $6,126 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $25,000 median debt and 47% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Winston-Salem, NC. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2026/2027
#6A-of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$6,381
Median debt$15,000
Completion91%Institution-level
LocationGainesville, FL
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #6 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of Florida ranks #6 because $6,381 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $15,000 median debt and 91% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in Gainesville, FL. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2027/2028
#7A-of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$6,565
Median debt$16,500
Completion74%Institution-level
LocationMiami, FL
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #7 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Florida International University ranks #7 because $6,565 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $16,500 median debt and 74% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Miami, FL. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2028/2029
#8A-of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$7,361
Median debt$22,750
Completion63%Institution-level
LocationGreenville, NC
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #8 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here East Carolina University ranks #8 because $7,361 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $22,750 median debt and 63% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT doctorate and OT master's programs in Greenville, NC. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT doctorate and OT master's programs
ACOTE review
2032/2033
#9A-of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$7,449
Median debt$13,807
Completion43%Institution-level
LocationCarson, CA
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #9 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here California State University, Dominguez Hills ranks #9 because $7,449 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $13,807 median debt and 43% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT doctorate and OT master's programs in Carson, CA. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT doctorate and OT master's programs
ACOTE review
2031/2032
#10A-of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$7,518
Median debt$22,500
Completion38%Institution-level
LocationShreveport, LA
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #10 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Louisiana State University Health Shreveport ranks #10 because $7,518 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $22,500 median debt and 38% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in Shreveport, LA. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2031/2032
#11A-of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$7,579
Median debt$20,231
Completion75%Institution-level
LocationBoone, NC
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #11 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Appalachian State University ranks #11 because $7,579 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $20,231 median debt and 75% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Boone, NC. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2032/2033
#12A-of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$7,810
Median debt$17,367
Completion35%Institution-level
LocationMuskogee, OK
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #12 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Northeastern State University-Muskogee Campus ranks #12 because $7,810 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $17,367 median debt and 35% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Muskogee, OK. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2032/2033
#13B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$8,090
Median debt$20,500
Completion55%Institution-level
LocationJonesboro, AR
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #13 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Arkansas State University-Jonesboro ranks #13 because $8,090 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $20,500 median debt and 55% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in Jonesboro, AR. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2034/2035
#14B+of 83 ranked
Acceptance rate85%Institution-level
Enrollment27,601Undergraduate
In-state tuition$8,410
Median debt$15,000
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #14 ranks here + 4 source facts

Why we ranked it here San Jose State University ranks #14 because $8,410 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $15,000 median debt and 69% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT doctorate and OT master's programs in San Jose, CA. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Location
San Jose, CA
Program
OT doctorate and OT master's programs
Completion
69%Institution-level
ACOTE review
2031/2032
#15B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$8,414
Median debt$20,500
Completion49%Institution-level
LocationAugusta, GA
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #15 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Augusta University ranks #15 because $8,414 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $20,500 median debt and 49% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Augusta, GA. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2030/2031
#16B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$8,424
Median debt$21,355
Completion40%Institution-level
LocationSouth Bend, IN
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #16 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Indiana University South Bend ranks #16 because $8,424 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $21,355 median debt and 40% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT master's program in South Bend, IN. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2029/2030
#17B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$8,586
Median debt$19,500
Completion43%Institution-level
LocationSpokane, WA
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #17 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Eastern Washington University (OTM) ranks #17 because $8,586 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $19,500 median debt and 43% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Spokane, WA. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2034/2035
#18B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$8,610
Median debt$20,039
Completion39%Institution-level
LocationPocatello, ID
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #18 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Idaho State University ranks #18 because $8,610 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $20,039 median debt and 39% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Pocatello, ID. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2029/2030
#19B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$8,616
Median debt$27,000
Completion34%Institution-level
LocationNashville, TN
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #19 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Tennessee State University ranks #19 because $8,616 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $27,000 median debt and 34% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Nashville, TN. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2026/2027
#20B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$8,640
Median debt$19,218
Completion49%Institution-level
LocationDenton, TX
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #20 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Texas Woman's University ranks #20 because $8,640 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $19,218 median debt and 49% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in Denton, TX. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2029/2030
#21B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$8,664
Median debt$20,903
Completion53%Institution-level
LocationAtlanta, GA
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #21 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here Georgia State University ranks #21 because $8,664 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $20,903 median debt and 53% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in Atlanta, GA. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2030/2031
#22B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$8,994
Median debt$14,000
Completion91%Institution-level
LocationChapel Hill, NC
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #22 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranks #22 because $8,994 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $14,000 median debt and 91% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Chapel Hill, NC. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2030/2031
#23B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$9,011
Median debt$20,500
Completion53%Institution-level
LocationSan Antonio, TX
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #23 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here The University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center ranks #23 because $9,011 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $20,500 median debt and 53% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in San Antonio, TX. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2025/2026
#24B+of 83 ranked
In-state tuition$9,098
Median debt$22,300
Completion64%Institution-level
LocationBirmingham, AL
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #24 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of Alabama at Birmingham ranks #24 because $9,098 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $22,300 median debt and 64% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT doctorate program in Birmingham, AL. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT doctorate program
ACOTE review
2029/2030
#25Bof 83 ranked
In-state tuition$9,190
Median debt$21,500
Completion54%Institution-level
LocationMonroe, LA
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #25 ranks here + 2 source facts

Why we ranked it here University of Louisiana at Monroe ranks #25 because $9,190 in-state tuition is the main cost advantage behind this position. College Scorecard reports $21,500 median debt and 54% for the institution as a whole; those figures help separate schools with similar published tuition.

Who it may suitApplicants using public OT programs as a lower-cost anchor before comparing outcomes, format, admissions fit, and fieldwork logistics.

Keep in mindOT master's program in Monroe, LA. Tuition, debt, and completion fields come from College Scorecard institution-level data, not OT-program-specific billing; graduate tuition, fees, residency rules, and fieldwork costs can differ by program.

Program
OT master's program
ACOTE review
2032/2033

Decision guide

How to use this ranking

Use this ranking when you need a cost-first OT school screen and want public options that may anchor a lower-debt application list.

Use it this way

  • Start with in-state tuition, then check whether you qualify for that rate.
  • Compare median debt and completion context before assuming the lowest tuition is the lowest-risk option.
  • Open the value profile and program profile to review accreditation timing, outcomes, fees, fieldwork travel, and total program length.

Decision factors

  • Do I qualify for the listed in-state, district, or resident rate?
  • What is the full OT-specific cost after graduate fees, supplies, background checks, travel, and fieldwork expenses?
  • Would a slightly higher tuition program reduce risk through stronger outcomes, better fit, or lower commute burden?

Scoring

What the score weighs

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

In-state tuition72%

Published College Scorecard in-state tuition is the main ranking factor because this page puts cost first.

Median debt18%

Institution-level median debt helps separate low sticker price from schools where borrowing still appears heavier.

Value context10%

The current public OT value score adds completion and state labor-market context as a light tie-breaker.

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 Lowest-Cost Public OT Programs?

Use this ranking when you need a cost-first OT school screen and want public options that may anchor a lower-debt application list.

What sources does this ranking use?

ACOTE public OT program matches and College Scorecard institution-level tuition, debt, and completion fields. The page links to the primary source material used for the ranking.

What can this ranking miss?

College Scorecard tuition, debt, and completion figures describe the institution as a whole. They are not OT-program-specific prices or outcomes. Public tuition can vary by residency, campus, graduate program fees, cohort, course load, and program length.

What should I read next?

Use this ranking with Best public OT program value, OT school cost and debt guide, Best OT outcomes.