Boston University Occupational Therapy
- Acceptance Rate
- 23.0%
- SAT Range
- N/A
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.84
- Size
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- Type
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- Student:Faculty
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- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life in BU's occupational therapy program reflects the intensity of professional health sciences education within the broader context of a vibrant urban university. Sargent College, the home of the OT program, creates a defined community within BU where students across rehabilitation professions interact and collaborate. Student organizations including the Occupational Therapy Student Association provide professional development programming, community service opportunities, and social events that foster connections among classmates. The broader BU campus offers extraordinary resources for graduate students. Fitness and recreation facilities include multiple gyms, pools, and intramural sports programs. The university's cultural programming brings speakers, performances, and events throughout the academic year. Boston's many colleges and universities create a larger community of graduate students throughout the city, with social and networking opportunities extending beyond BU's borders. Housing options for Sargent College students include on-campus graduate housing, though most students live in off-campus apartments in neighborhoods throughout Boston and its suburbs. Areas popular with students include Allston, Brighton, Brookline, and Somerville, each offering distinct character and varying price points. Boston's public transportation system, the MBTA, makes car ownership unnecessary for most students, though the winter months test reliance on above-ground transit. The cost of living in Boston ranks among the highest nationally, a significant consideration for students budgeting their professional education investment.
Location & Surroundings
Boston University's campus stretches along Commonwealth Avenue in the heart of Boston, with the Charles River providing a scenic border and Cambridge visible across the water. Sargent College occupies space within this urban campus, providing easy access to both university facilities and Boston's resources. The city's concentration of hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and health sciences institutions creates an unparalleled environment for healthcare education. Boston's healthcare ecosystem includes teaching hospitals affiliated with Harvard, Tufts, and BU itself, as well as major rehabilitation centers like Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. These institutions serve as clinical training sites, employ graduates, and conduct research that advances the profession. The density of healthcare institutions means that students are exposed to diverse practice approaches and patient populations throughout their training. Post-graduation employment opportunities in the Boston area are strong, though competition for positions at the most prestigious institutions is considerable. New England's climate presents four distinct seasons, with long winters that bring significant cold and snow. Students should be prepared for several months of challenging weather, though the city maintains its activity level year-round. Summers are pleasant, and fall in New England is famously beautiful. Logan International Airport provides convenient connections for students traveling home or for interviews. The city's walkability and public transportation reduce the need for cars, though the MBTA's reliability varies and winter conditions can disrupt service.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Investment in BU's occupational therapy education reflects private university tuition levels and Boston's high cost of living. Annual tuition for the OTD program exceeds $50,000, with total program costs including fees, books, equipment, and living expenses potentially approaching $200,000 over the program's duration. Students should carefully consider this investment in relation to expected career earnings, as occupational therapy salaries, while comfortable, are generally lower than those in fields like medicine or law. Financial aid options include federal loans, limited scholarship support, and work-study positions for qualifying students. BU's financial aid office works with students to develop financing plans, and some students secure support from employers or external scholarships. The occupational therapy profession's loan forgiveness options, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness for those working in nonprofit or government settings, can help manage debt for graduates pursuing certain career paths. Career outcomes for BU graduates are strong, reflecting both the program's quality and the robust demand for occupational therapists nationally. Graduates secure positions in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, outpatient clinics, mental health settings, and emerging practice areas. The Boston area's dense healthcare market provides numerous local opportunities, while the program's national reputation supports job searches throughout the country. Starting salaries for occupational therapists typically range from $65,000-85,000 depending on setting and geographic location, with advancement opportunities in specialized practice, management, or education. The alumni network connects graduates across career stages and settings.
Campus Location
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