Understanding the Costs of Hofstra University's Occupational Therapy Program

Choosing the right college for a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) is a significant decision. To aid prospective students, this article provides a detailed overview of the costs associated with Hofstra University's OT program, along with valuable insights into the program itself and career prospects in the field.

The Value of Occupational Therapy Education

In 2019-2020, occupational therapy/therapist was the 84th most popular major in the United States, with 9,219 people earning their degree. Occupational therapy is a vital part of treatment for people with various illnesses and disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, autism, or the loss of a limb.

Hofstra University's Occupational Therapy Program

Hofstra University's Master of Science (MS) in Occupational Therapy is a full-time, on-campus program. The program integrates laboratory experiences with classroom instruction, preparing graduates to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Hofstra also made our “Best Occupational Therapy Master’s Degree Schools in New York” list, coming in at #7.

Program Features

Experiential and Evidence-Based Curriculum: Students gain knowledge and competencies necessary to develop, recover, and improve the skills an individual needs in everyday living to function and prosper.
Accreditation: The entry-level occupational therapy master's degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Eligibility for Certification: Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).
Licensure: All states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

Admission

Applications must be submitted to the Occupational Therapy program by the deadline of February 1 for admission to the class that begins the subsequent September. Applications submitted prior to the deadline are given preference, with all others reviewed on a space-available basis.

Hofstra University Tuition and Fees

Understanding the breakdown of tuition and fees is crucial for budgeting. Here's a detailed look at the costs associated with attending Hofstra University, including graduate tuition, university fees, and other potential expenses.

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Graduate Tuition

The tuition for graduate programs at Hofstra University varies depending on the school or program. The tuition for graduate programs, except those in the Zarb School of Business and special programs, is $1,760.00 per credit hour. For the Zarb School of Business, graduate courses are $1,800.00 per credit hour.

Summer Tuition & Fees

The Summer Session Tuition & Fees do not apply to special programs such as Executive MBA, Online MBA, Audiology, Law students, Study Abroad, or any other courses with specified charges, such as special course fees.

Here's a breakdown of the 2025 and 2026 summer tuition and fees:

2025 Summer Tuition & Fees* Undergraduate Courses:

* Per Credit Cost: $1,900* Fees Summer I: $128* Fees Summer II: $128* Fees Summer III: $88

Graduate Courses (Other than Zarb School of Business):
- Per Credit Cost: $1,695 (200-level and above courses)
- Fees Summer I: $138
- Fees Summer II: $138
- Fees Summer III: $98
Graduate Courses (Zarb School of Business):
- Per Credit Cost: $1,732 (200-level and above courses)
- Fees Summer I: $138
- Fees Summer II: $138
- Fees Summer III: $98

2026 Summer Tuition & Fees* Undergraduate Courses:

* Per Credit Cost: $1,976* Fees Summer I: $128* Fees Summer II: $128* Fees Summer III: $88

Graduate Courses (Other than Zarb School of Business):
- Per Credit Cost: $1,760 (200-level and above courses)
- Fees Summer I: $138
- Fees Summer II: $138
- Fees Summer III: $98
Graduate Courses (Zarb School of Business):
- Per Credit Cost: $1,800 (200-level and above courses)
- Fees Summer I: $138
- Fees Summer II: $138
- Fees Summer III: $98

University Fees

Several university fees contribute to the overall cost of attendance:

University Fee:
- Graduate students registering for 12 or more credits (Fall and Spring): $365 per term
- Undergraduate and Graduate students registering for 8 to 11.99 credits, (Fall and Spring): $210 per term
- Undergraduate and Graduate students registering for up to 7.99 credits (Fall and Spring): $115 per term
- Undergraduate and Graduate students registering for the January session: $50
- January session Undergraduate and Graduate students registering for the Summer Sessions I, II and III: $78 per session
Technology Fee:
- Undergraduate and Graduate students registering for 12 or more credits (Fall and Spring): $115 per term
- Undergraduate and Graduate students registering for 8 to 11.99 credits (Fall and Spring): $65 per term
- Undergraduate and Graduate students registering for up to 7.99 credits (Fall and Spring): $40 per term
- Undergraduate and Graduate students (Summer Sessions I and II): $40 per session
Activity Fee:
- Full-time Graduate students (Fall and Spring): $30 per term
- Part-time Graduate students: $20 per session
- Graduate students (January and Summer I, II and III): $20 per session

Special Program Fees

Audiology Program: $1,760 per credit hour
Executive M.B.A.: $78,520 full program cost
Online M.B.A.: $1,800 per credit hour
Executive Coaching Fee - 25-26 Online MBA Cohort Admits: $445 (Fall only)
Consortium Fee: Audiology Program combined fee (per term): $500 per term

Additional Fees

Application Fee: $75 for all Graduate students (exceptions noted below), $50 Payable upon application for admission to the following Graduate programs: Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Public Health and Speech-Language Pathology
Late Registration Fee: Varies depending on when the student registers.
Late Payment Fee: Varies depending on when the payment is received.
Maintain Matriculation Fee: $279 per term
Off-Campus Administration Fee: Varies depending on the program.
Returned Check Fee: $25 per check returned
Diploma /Certificate Fee Replacement: $35
Transcript Fee: Electronic transcript: $5, Hard copy: $5
Housing Cancellation Fee: $1,500 per term

Housing Rates (2025-2026)

Graduate Singles: $10,126.00 per term
Graduate Double: $8,875.00 per term

Housing Fees (2025-2026)

Residence Life Fee: $120 per term
Residence Life Early Arrival Fee: $65 per night
Residence Life Health & Safety Fee: $100 max per infraction
Laundry Fees: $10/each summer term

Dining Dollar Contract Rates (2025-2026)

Option 1 Commuter Plan: $630 per term
Option 2 (available to juniors and above): $1,854 per term
Option 3 (available to juniors and above): $2,225 per term
Option 4 (available to juniors and above): $2,430 per term
Option 5: $2,832 per term
Option 6: $3,080 per term
Option 7: $3,276 per term

Cost of Attendance (COA)

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the total amount of your educational expenses for the period of enrollment during an Award Year. The COA is based on your enrollment status, year in school, your program of study, and whether you live on or off campus while attending Hofstra. The COA is comprised of both direct and indirect expenses. That means it includes your actual charges for tuition and fees, as well as food and housing if you live on campus and/or select an on-campus dining option, as well as estimated expenses in transportation, personal expenses, etc. Some students may experience costs that are higher or lower than those published.

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Financial Aid and Scholarships

Hofstra University offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs, to help students finance their education. Scholarships are available for qualified candidates. It is recommended to explore these options and apply for any aid you may be eligible for.

Refund Policy

The University shall refund student payments, other than Title IV aid, in accordance with the following schedule. Please note that fees, such as University, technology, and activity fees, as well as special course fees and private instruction fees, are nonrefundable once the semester begins. Students must apply for all eligible refunds in writing. All official withdrawals must be certified by the Office of Academic Advisement prior to the processing of refunds.

Prior to the 1st day of classes: 100%
1st week of classes: 100%
2nd week of classes: 75%
3rd week of classes: 50%
4th week of classes: 25%
Thereafter: 0%

The refund policy associated with housing and dining plans is available from the Office of Residence Life.

Students are required to withdraw from classes in accordance with established policy. Students may not withdraw from classes or the University without official notification. Nonattendance from classes does not constitute withdrawal. Students remain fully responsible for all financial obligations, subject to the refund schedule above.

Students who withdraw completely from classes during the period of time in which the tuition refund schedule applies (usually the first four weeks of the term), will have their scholarships prorated based on their tuition charges. The term will still count against the student's maximum number of eligible terms.

Career Opportunities and Salary Expectations

Job growth for occupational therapists is expected to increase 11% through 2033 (much faster than average). The BLS states "Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of treatment for people with various illnesses and disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, autism, or the loss of a limb."

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