University of Southern California Occupational Therapy
- Acceptance Rate
- 11.0%
- SAT Range
- N/A
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.92
- 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)
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Student Life & Environment
Student life in USC's occupational therapy program blends intensive academic demands with the opportunities of one of America's premier university environments. The program operates primarily from the Health Sciences Campus in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, connected to the main University Park Campus by regular shuttle service. Students form close-knit cohorts given the demanding nature of the curriculum, often studying together and supporting each other through challenging coursework and fieldwork experiences. The broader USC community offers extraordinary resources. Graduate students can access all university facilities including state-of-the-art recreation centers, student health services, and the vibrant programming at the main campus. The Trojan family spirit pervades the university, with athletic events (particularly football) serving as significant social occasions. Student organizations within the Chan Division include the Occupational Therapy Student Association, which organizes professional development events, community service projects, and social gatherings that help students decompress from academic pressures. Los Angeles itself provides an unparalleled setting for graduate study. The diversity of the metropolitan area—with its varied communities, healthcare systems, and cultural resources—enriches both academic learning and personal growth. Students often take advantage of LA's beaches, hiking trails, cultural institutions, and food scene when breaks in their demanding schedules permit. Housing near the Health Sciences Campus tends to be more affordable than near the main campus, with neighborhoods like Eagle Rock, Highland Park, and South Pasadena offering good options. Students should budget for transportation costs, as owning a car is helpful though not strictly necessary given public transit options and shuttle services.
Location & Surroundings
The Health Sciences Campus of USC sits in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, about three miles northeast of downtown. This location places students within the heart of one of the nation's largest and most diverse metropolitan areas, with a county population exceeding 10 million and communities representing virtually every world culture. The campus itself provides a defined, secure environment with parking structures, dining options, and study spaces, while surrounding neighborhoods offer authentic Los Angeles experiences far from the tourist areas. Southern California's climate ranks among its greatest attractions, with mild temperatures year-round, minimal rainfall, and abundant sunshine. Summer months can bring intense heat, particularly in inland areas, but coastal breezes and air conditioning make it manageable. The region's outdoor opportunities are exceptional, from beaches less than an hour away to mountain hiking in the San Gabriel range visible from campus. Traffic, however, presents a genuine challenge, and students should factor commute times into their planning for fieldwork placements throughout the region. Healthcare employment opportunities in Los Angeles are exceptional, a significant consideration for occupational therapy students planning their careers. Major health systems including Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health, Kaiser Permanente, and the extensive Los Angeles County system offer diverse practice settings. The entertainment industry has also created niche opportunities for occupational therapists working with performers and in ergonomic consulting for studios. Cost of living in Los Angeles exceeds national averages significantly, particularly for housing, though the region offers neighborhoods at various price points. LAX provides convenient air connections globally, and the expanding Metro system continues to improve public transportation options.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Investment in USC's occupational therapy program is substantial but typically yields strong returns given the program's prestige and graduates' career outcomes. Tuition for the two-year MA program totals approximately $120,000, with additional costs for books, fees, equipment, and living expenses in Los Angeles bringing the total investment close to $180,000-200,000 for out-of-area students. This represents the high end for occupational therapy education nationally, reflecting USC's status as an elite private university and the program's leading position. Financial aid options include federal loans, limited scholarship support, and graduate assistantship positions that may provide tuition remission for qualifying students. The USC Financial Aid Office works with students to develop sustainable financing plans, though most students should expect to graduate with significant educational debt. Students are advised to consider their expected career earnings when planning their borrowing, being realistic about occupational therapy salary ranges while also accounting for the premium that USC credentials may provide. Career placement for USC occupational therapy graduates is exceptional. Within months of passing the NBCOT certification examination, virtually all graduates secure professional positions. The USC brand opens doors throughout the healthcare industry, with alumni holding positions at leading health systems nationally. Starting salaries for occupational therapists vary by setting and geography but typically range from $70,000-90,000 in major metropolitan areas, with advancement opportunities in management, specialized practice, or transition to education. USC graduates are particularly well-positioned for careers requiring advanced knowledge, including research positions, program development roles, and faculty appointments at universities. The alumni network remains actively engaged, providing mentorship and professional connections throughout graduates' careers.
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