Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid

Academic Year 2025-26

Direct Total Costs

  • Annual Tuition: $38,415 ($12,805/semester)
  • Lab & Activity Fees: $3,090 ($1,030/semester)
  • Total Degree Cost: $122,805

Institutional Fees

  • Enrollment deposit: $500
  • Graduation fee (charged in final semester): $150
  • Vehicle registration fee: $25/semester

*Tuition and fees are subject to change

Indirect Costs

Major additional costs for the program will vary from student to student and may include, but are not limited to: textbooks, medical supplies, clothing, computers, lodging, utilities, gas, and professional memberships. Please see Estimated OTD Program Indirect Costs (updated April 19, 2024) for additional details.

Official University Withdrawal/Refund Policy

Students withdrawing from the University during the first week of classes (during the drop/add period) will receive a refund of the refundable amount paid. Students withdrawing from the University will be refunded the following percentages of tuition and room expenses:

  • Week 1: 100%
  • Week 2: 80%
  • Week 3: 60%
  • Week 4: 40%
  • Week 5: 20%
  • After Week 5: No Refund

Financing Your Education & Additional Expenses

Student Loans

The majority of students finance all expenses through student loans. Students who plan to finance everything using student loans must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)* at studentaid.gov. after October 1 of the year prior to year they plan to enter the program. Students are then eligible for most federal and/or alternative loans once the FAFSA form has been submitted.

*For the 2024-25 academic year, students should use 2022 tax return data to complete the FAFSA.

Federal Loans available:
Unsubsidized Loan: $20,500 maximum per year (not-credit based)
Grad PLUS Loan: $53,694 maximum per year (credit-based) [Applications open May 1]

Alternative Loans: Click here for more information about alternative loans.

Forgivable Education Loans for Service — FELS (N.C. Residents Only)

College Foundation of NC Forgivable Loans for Service
A portion of your education loans may be forgiven by providing occupational therapy services in North Carolina up to a max loan limit of $56,000 ($14,000 year – $7,000/fall and spring semesters only). Applications are generally open from January 1-March 1 prior to the fall start of the doctoral program and do not require program admittance prior to applying. Selection is lottery based which renews if requirements are maintained unless recipient chooses to withdraw from the FELS program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

If you’re employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the PSLF Program. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you’ve made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan, and while working full-time for an eligible employer.

To be considered for PSLF, you only need to submit a PSLF form. The easiest way to do this is by using the PSLF Help Tool.

Military Benefits

Those using military benefits should contact Mr. Randy Smith in the One Stop’s office of Military & Veteran Services for assistance with paperwork ([email protected]) or 910.630.7174.