University of Illinois Chicago Occupational Therapy
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Graduate students in occupational therapy experience the unique combination of professional school intensity and major research university resources that defines UIC. The program's cohort model creates tight-knit communities where students support each other through challenging coursework and fieldwork experiences. Student organizations including the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) provide leadership opportunities and professional networking. Campus housing options serve graduate students, though many choose apartments in Chicago's diverse neighborhoods surrounding campus. The Illinois Medical District location provides convenient access to clinical sites while also connecting to the broader university community. Public transit via CTA trains and buses makes car-free living feasible for many students. The College of Applied Health Sciences houses several health profession programs, creating interprofessional connections that enrich learning. Students regularly interact with peers in physical therapy, kinesiology, and disability studies. Joint classes and interprofessional education activities prepare students for collaborative practice environments. Chicago offers endless opportunities for cultural enrichment, entertainment, and exploration. World-class museums, theaters, restaurants, and music venues provide welcome relief from academic demands. The city's neighborhood diversity mirrors the patient populations students will serve, building cultural competence through daily life experiences. Sports fans can follow professional teams across all major leagues year-round. Student support services include academic advising, counseling and wellness resources, disability accommodations, and career services. The OT department maintains its own advising staff who understand program-specific needs and can guide students through challenging moments. Financial concerns can be addressed through the university's financial aid office and various assistantship opportunities.
Location & Surroundings
UIC's occupational therapy program operates from the west side of Chicago in the Illinois Medical District, placing students at the epicenter of one of America's great cities. The campus sprawls across 240 acres, blending historic buildings with modern facilities in an urban environment quite different from traditional college campuses. The nearby Loop provides easy access to downtown attractions, business districts, and transportation hubs. Chicago's climate features true four-season variety: hot, humid summers, cold winters with significant snowfall, and pleasant spring and fall transitions. Lake Michigan moderates temperatures somewhat and provides recreational opportunities throughout the year. Students should prepare for walking between buildings in winter weather, though the campus remains manageable with appropriate clothing. Public transportation excellence distinguishes Chicago from many American cities. The CTA's Blue Line stops at the UIC-Halsted station, providing direct access to O'Hare International Airport and downtown. Multiple bus routes serve campus, and Metra commuter rail connects suburbs throughout the metropolitan area. Many students live comfortably without cars, though parking is available for those who prefer to drive. The surrounding Pilsen, Little Italy, and University Village neighborhoods offer increasingly diverse housing and dining options. Gentrification has brought new amenities while longtime residents maintain cultural traditions, creating vibrant communities with authentic Mexican restaurants, Italian bakeries, and contemporary cafes. Housing costs vary significantly by neighborhood, with options ranging from affordable shared apartments to newer luxury developments. Clinical rotations may require travel throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, making flexible transportation valuable. The extensive healthcare network means most placements remain accessible via public transit, though some suburban sites benefit from car access.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for the OTD program varies by residency status, with Illinois residents paying significantly less than out-of-state students. Current rates place in-state tuition around $20,000-25,000 annually and out-of-state tuition approximately $35,000-40,000 annually. Additional fees, books, and living expenses bring total annual costs to $35,000-55,000 depending on residency and lifestyle choices. Financial aid options include federal loans, institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, and external scholarships from professional organizations. The department offers several competitive assistantships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for research or teaching support. Students should complete FAFSA promptly and explore all available funding sources. Career outcomes for UIC OT graduates remain excellent, reflecting strong demand for occupational therapists nationally. Licensure examination pass rates consistently exceed national averages, and employment rates within six months of graduation approach 100%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects occupational therapy employment growth well above average through the coming decade. Graduates work across diverse settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, mental health facilities, home health agencies, and emerging practice areas. Starting salaries typically range from $70,000-85,000 depending on setting and location, with experienced practitioners earning significantly more. The program's reputation in Chicago creates strong local hiring networks, though graduates find employment nationwide. The UIC alumni network provides valuable connections throughout careers. Active alumni chapters host continuing education events, mentorship programs, and professional networking opportunities. The program's research reputation also creates pathways into academic careers for students interested in teaching and scholarship.
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