Occupational therapists are essential in helping people regain their independence and improve their quality of life, making this career both impactful and increasingly in demand. For driven professionals eager to level up their careers, an online doctorate in occupational therapy may be the key to success.
The median salary for occupational therapists is $96,370, and the top 10% of earners make over $129,620. A doctoral degree boosts your skills while positioning you for higher-paying leadership, research, or academic roles. This guide highlights the best online doctorate in occupational therapy programs for 2025, designed for enthusiastic practitioners looking for flexibility, credibility, and career growth.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Occupational Therapy degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 32 Online Doctorate in Occupational Therapy Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Boston University
Intelligent Score: 99.6In-state: $56,854
Out-of-state: $56,854
In-state: $56,854
Out-of-state: $56,854
SAT: 1310-1500
ACT: 30-34
$1,994
Online, On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
33-37
Temple University
Intelligent Score: 98.18In-state: $16,080
Out-of-state: $28,992
In-state: $16,956
Out-of-state: $16,956
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-State: $1,060
Out-of-State: $1,453
Online, On-Campus
Council on Education for Public Health
116
Quinnipiac University
Intelligent Score: 97.01In-state: $48,200
Out-of-state: $48,200
In-state: $19,350
Out-of-state: $19,350
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,025
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
32
St. Catherine University
Intelligent Score: 96.62In-state: $33,826
Out-of-state: $33,826
In-state: $16,740
Out-of-state: $16,740
SAT: 1080-1240
ACT: 19-25
$759
Online
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
35
University of Kansas Medical Center
Intelligent Score: 95.99In-state: $10,092
Out-of-state: $26,960
In-state: $9,989
Out-of-state: $9,989
SAT: 1070-1320
ACT: 22-29
$421
Online
Higher Learning Center
112
University of Utah
Intelligent Score: 94.83In-state: $7,412
Out-of-state: $26,017
In-state: $6,666
Out-of-state: $6,666
SAT: 1130-1350
ACT: 22-29
$971
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
36
Indiana University
Intelligent Score: 94.74In-state: $9,815
Out-of-state: $36,194
In-state: $9,786
Out-of-state: $9,786
SAT: 1120-1350
ACT: 24-31
In-State: $568
Out-of-State: $995
Online
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
106
Towson University
Intelligent Score: 94.43In-state: $6,962
Out-of-state: $21,098
In-state: $7,902
Out-of-state: $7,902
SAT: 1040-1200
ACT: 20-25
In-State: $669
Out-of-State: $1,210
Online
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
33
Thomas Jefferson University
Intelligent Score: 94.17In-state: $40,680
Out-of-state: $40,680
In-state: $21,420
Out-of-state: $21,420
SAT: 1090-1270
ACT: 20-27
$1,015
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
33-44
George Washington University
Intelligent Score: 93.38In-state: $55,961
Out-of-state: $55,961
In-state: $31,770
Out-of-state: $31,770
SAT: 1270-1450
ACT: 30-33
$1,145
Online
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
107
Gannon University
Intelligent Score: 93.11In-state: $34,575
Out-of-state: $34,575
In-state: $19,980
Out-of-state: $19,980
SAT: 990-1210
ACT: 20-26
$770
Online
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
34
Barry University
Intelligent Score: 92.44In-state: $30,600
Out-of-state: $30,600
In-state: $17,820
Out-of-state: $17,820
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$666
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
Nova Southeastern University
Intelligent Score: 91.18In-state: $32,370
Out-of-state: $32,370
In-state: $20,618
Out-of-state: $20,618
SAT: 1030-1240
ACT: 20-27
$708
Online
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
34
Mary Baldwin University
Intelligent Score: 90.4In-state: $30,690
Out-of-state: $30,690
In-state: $13,000
Out-of-state: $13,000
SAT: 940-1120
ACT: 18-24
$1,400
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
University of Wisconsin
Intelligent Score: 90.13In-state: $9,273
Out-of-state: $37,161
In-state: $10,728
Out-of-state: $10,728
SAT: 1260-1460
ACT: 27-32
$1,000
Online
Higher Learning Center
34
Texas Woman’s University
Intelligent Score: 87.8In-state: $94
Out-of-state: $77
In-state: $48
Out-of-state: $48
SAT: Considered (not required)
ACT: Required
In-State: $453
Out-of-State: $856
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
90
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Intelligent Score: 87.67In-state: $34,627
Out-of-state: $51,815
In-state: $16,793
Out-of-state: $16,793
SAT: NA
ACT: NA
In-State: $597
Out-of-State: $1,418
Online, On-Campus
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
40
Bay Path University
Intelligent Score: 85.87In-state: $35,781
Out-of-state: $35,781
In-state: $19,235
Out-of-state: $19,235
SAT: 940-1170
ACT: 23-31
$875 - $1,060
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
36-54
What You Should Know About an Online Doctorate in Occupational Therapy Degree
Occupational therapy is often lumped together with physical therapy and speech therapy. Although all three professions support human function, they employ different methods. Occupational therapists assist with daily living functions, physical therapists focus on the movement of the human body, and speech therapists help with communication and swallowing disorders.
Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). If your school isn’t accredited, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
All states require occupational therapists to be licensed — at a minimum, you will need to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Some states have additional requirements as well.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online doctorate in occupational therapy programs:
- What tests are required for this online degree? To become a licensed occupational therapist, you must take the NBCOT exam. After passing the exam, students earn the title of Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).
- Am I eligible for this program? To be accepted into a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DOT) program, you must have a bachelor’s degree, ideally in a related subject such as biology or kinesiology. However, many competitive candidates have master’s degrees or professional experience. Always check a program’s admissions requirements before applying.
- What financial aid opportunities are available? With the help of grants, fellowships, assistantships, and other resources, many students can significantly reduce the cost of their degree program. You may even be able to earn your doctorate for free.
As you research programs, you should keep track of any important deadlines or application requirements. This information is generally available online, but you can also find it by contacting a school’s admissions department. If pursuing financial aid, thoroughly research your funding opportunities and submit all applications on time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Doctorate in Occupational Therapy Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online doctorate in occupational therapy degree?
Many graduates with this degree pursue careers as licensed occupational therapists. These professionals help people regain independence and improve their quality of life through personalized interventions in hospitals, schools, and rehab centers. With an 11% job growth projected over the next decade, this role is in high demand, adding 9,800 new positions annually.
Graduates may also pursue leadership roles in healthcare management, academic positions as educators, or research opportunities to advance the field. Regardless of your path, you can count on this degree to provide you with advanced clinical, administrative, and scholarly skills to meet client needs while driving innovation in occupational therapy practices.
Are online doctorate in occupational therapy degree programs as credible as on-campus programs?
These programs are often just as credible as on-campus options, sharing identical curricula and faculty. The main difference lies in the format: instead of attending structured, on-campus classes, online learners can study from anywhere, offering unparalleled flexibility.
Accreditation is a crucial factor in determining a program’s quality, and all of our top picks maintain regional accreditation, ensuring they meet high academic and professional standards. This makes online programs an excellent choice for those seeking to advance their careers without compromising credibility.
How long does it take to complete an online doctorate in occupational therapy degree program?
Completing this degree takes about five years for full-time students, with three years dedicated to coursework and two years for the dissertation. However, timelines can vary for online learners, especially those studying part-time. Part-time students may need several more years to complete this degree — particularly if they balance their studies with other commitments, like a full-time job or raising a family.
Are there specialization options within online doctorate in occupational therapy degree programs?
While occupational therapy is a relatively niche field, some online doctorate programs offer different focus areas. These specialization options often include:
- Pediatrics
- Geriatrics
- Mental Health
- Neurorehabilitation
Although most programs do not require specialization, choosing a specialization can provide opportunities for unique career paths, such as working in advanced clinical roles, pursuing academic or research positions, or becoming policy and program development leaders.
What is the cost of an online doctorate degree?
According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for graduate school is $20,513. However, many factors can cause this figure to fluctuate, including whether the institution is public or private and your residency status at the time of enrollment.
For example, in-state students at public universities typically see lower tuition, while out-of-state students or those attending private institutions may experience higher costs. You’ll also want to consider additional factors like technology fees and expenses related to required materials, as these can add up over time and significantly impact the price.