Whether OT school pays off depends mostly on how much you borrow. The median published tuition is $74,895 for an OT master’s (40 programs) and $106,696 for an entry-level OTD (39 programs). The median OT earns $100,330 a year (BLS, May 2025). Borrowing the median master’s tuition at the 8.07% federal graduate rate costs about $911 a month for 10 years, or 11% of a median OT’s gross monthly pay.
OT school cost vs. salary calculator
Assumes a fixed rate and equal monthly payments starting after school. It leaves out interest that builds up while you’re in school, loan fees, taxes and raises. Federal income-driven repayment plans can lower payments. Rates: Federal Student Aid (Loans first disbursed July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). Salaries: BLS OEWS May 2025 state medians.
What OT school costs
| Program level | Programs publishing a figure | Median | Lowest – highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| OT master’s (tuition) | 40 | $74,895 | $18,761 – $165,081 |
| Entry-level OTD (tuition) | 39 | $106,696 | $38,443 – $260,403 |
| OTA (tuition or total) | 60 | $13,872 | $5,147 – $136,680 |
Figures are each program’s own published cost, so cohort years and what’s included differ. Public universities charging in-state tuition sit at the low end; see the cheapest OT programs and what OT school costs.
What OTs and OTAs earn
BLS projects about 10,000 OT openings a year, with employment growing 15% from 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average). Pay differs by setting; the median ranges from $87,300 in educational services (state, local, and private) to $106,300 in home healthcare services. See OT salary by state and the job outlook.
Master’s or OTD: which is worth more?
Both degrees lead to the same NBCOT exam and state license, and BLS lists a master’s as the typical entry-level education. At the medians, an OTD costs $31,801 more in tuition, or about $387 more a month over 10 years at 8.07%. OTD programs also usually take longer, which delays your first paycheck. Read master’s vs. doctorate and whether OT is moving to a doctorate.
How to make OT school worth it
- Price the whole program. Use each school’s published total and add living costs. The compare tool puts costs side by side.
- Look at in-state public programs first. Filter by budget in the Program Finder.
- Check NBCOT pass rates. You can’t work as an OT until you pass. See pass rates by school.
- Consider starting as an OTA. Then use an OTA-to-OT bridge program while you work.