Washington University St Louis 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
Student life in the occupational therapy program at Washington University mirrors that of its physical therapy sibling, with a close-knit cohort progressing through an intensive professional curriculum together. The small class size, approximately 45 students per year, enables strong peer relationships and faculty mentorship. Students support each other through the challenges of academic and clinical education, with collaborative study and mutual encouragement defining the program culture. Graduate students typically live in apartments near the medical campus, with the Central West End and adjacent neighborhoods offering convenient options at reasonable costs by national standards. The medical campus provides access to libraries, study spaces, and fitness facilities. The Danforth Campus offers additional resources and a change of scenery when needed. Student organizations in occupational therapy connect students with professional development, service opportunities, and social activities. The program sponsors events marking milestones in the curriculum and professional development. Clinical fieldwork takes students to diverse settings throughout the region, requiring flexibility in scheduling and transportation. Career services assist students as they prepare for employment. The demands of the program are substantial, limiting time for activities outside academics and fieldwork, particularly during intensive periods. The program culture emphasizes wellness alongside achievement, recognizing that healthcare professionals must attend to their own wellbeing to serve others effectively.
Location & Surroundings
The occupational therapy program shares facilities on Washington University's medical campus in the Central West End with its physical therapy sibling program. The neighborhood combines the academic medical center with residential areas, restaurants, and urban amenities. Forest Park borders the area, providing extensive green space, recreational facilities, and cultural institutions including the St. Louis Zoo and Art Museum. Public transit options include MetroLink light rail and MetroBus services, with the Central West End station providing direct access to the campus area. Many students drive, with parking available though sometimes challenging during peak hours. The location enables walking and biking to nearby neighborhoods. St. Louis Lambert International Airport provides domestic connections with some international service. The climate features four distinct seasons with cold winters, hot and humid summers, and variable transitional periods. St. Louis's cost of living remains significantly below coastal cities, making graduate education financially manageable. The medical campus location situates students within a major academic health center that provides clinical training opportunities and professional connections. The Central West End neighborhood offers restaurants, coffee shops, and services that support student life during the demanding academic program.
Costs & Career Outcomes
The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program spans approximately three years with total tuition approaching 140,000 USD. Living expenses in St. Louis are moderate, with students typically budgeting 15,000-18,000 USD annually. The total investment approaches 180,000-190,000 USD over the course of the program. Financial aid for OTD students is limited, with most students funding education through loans. Some scholarships and assistantships exist, but the majority of students borrow substantially. Students should carefully consider the financial commitment relative to expected career earnings. Career outcomes for Washington University OTD graduates are strong, reflecting the program's top ranking and graduates' clinical preparation. Graduates enter roles in acute care, rehabilitation, pediatrics, mental health, community health, and other practice settings. Starting salaries for occupational therapists typically range from 65,000-85,000 USD depending on setting and location. The degree of debt relative to salary requires careful financial planning, though public service loan forgiveness programs may benefit graduates working in nonprofit or government settings. Career services support job placement, and the program's reputation creates strong employer interest. Some graduates pursue academic careers, fellowship training, or doctoral education to enhance their credentials.
Campus Location
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