How to Pay for OT School: Financial Aid and Scholarships Guide for OT/OTA Programs
This page last updated: August 2025
If you’ve been hard at work on your applications, there might be another question nagging at the back of your mind… how am I going to pay for occupational therapy school?
From how to apply for financial aid and state grants, to how to win a sweet scholarship, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the financial part of your OT program application journey.
How to Pay for OT School: Financial Aid and Scholarships Guide for OT/OTA Programs
If you’ve been hard at work on your applications, there might be another question nagging at the back of your mind… how am I going to pay for occupational therapy school?
This page last updated: August 2025
From how to apply for financial aid and state grants, to how to win a sweet scholarship, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the financial part of your OT program application journey.
1. Understand Your Program Type
Are you applying to a:
- Master’s or Doctoral OT Program (MOT/OTD/PhD)?
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s OTA Program?
The type of program you’re applying to affects which financial aid and scholarships you may qualify for. For example, some awards are only by degree level or for attending a community college, state university, or a private college.
2. Fill Out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Fill out the FAFSA here:
https://studentaid.gov
You’ll Need:
- Social Security Number
- Federal Income Tax Returns, W-2s, or proof of income
- Federal school codes for the schools you’re applying to
FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Many schools also use it to award additional aid.
Submit early! Deadlines can vary by school.
3. Explore State Grants
Most states offer grant or tuition assistance programs. A few examples:
- Virginia: Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG)
- California: Cal Grant C
- Maryland: Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program
“[Your State] + financial aid for college students” or visit your state education department website for additional information.
4. Apply for Scholarships
OT/OTA-Specific Scholarships:
- The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) Scholarships:
Includes the NBCOT Endowed Scholarship. For students in accredited or developing OT/OTA programs. - State OT Associations:
Many offer annual scholarships—check their websites and social media. - OT School-Specific Scholarships:
Visit the financial aid pages of each OT/OTA program you’re applying to. - HOSA (https://hosa.org/scholarships/):
For HOSA members pursuing health professions, including OT.
General Scholarship Search Engines:
Filter by “healthcare,” “occupational therapy,” “first-gen college student,” “women in healthcare,” etc.
5. Talk to the Financial Aid Office
Once you’ve applied or have been accepted to programs:
- Ask for an aid package review.
- Request school-specific scholarships (some are automatic, some require separate applications).
- Ask about assistantships, fellowships, or tuition waivers (more common in grad OT programs).
6. Consider Other Funding Options
- Work-study jobs: Check eligibility through FAFSA.
- Private Scholarships: From Employers, Unions, Churches, Local Organizations.
- Military/VA Benefits: For veterans or dependents.
- Loan Forgiveness Programs (see next section).
7. Explore Loan Repayment & Forgiveness Programs
If you take out loans, consider:
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): For those working in nonprofits or public service.
- National Health Services Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program: Loan repayment for work in underserved areas (rare for OT, but growing).
- State-specific programs: Offered in some states for providers in rural or high-need regions.
BONUS: Create a Financial Aid & Scholarships Tracker
Include information such as:
- Scholarship names
- Deadlines
- Requirements
- Application status
It might be helpful to track in a spreadsheet or app.
Final Tips
- Apply to as many scholarships as possible—small ones add up!
- Tailor your personal statement or scholarship essays for OT—highlight your passion, experience, and goals.
- Follow occupational therapy associations and scholarship accounts on social for updates.
- Speak with your guidance counselor or academic advisor about suitable scholarship opportunities.
