| Semester | Number of Credits | Estimated Tuition - Resident | Estimated Tuition - Nonresident | Estimated Fees (Including Differential Tuition) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer I | 7 | $4,470.20 | $10,959.90 | $2,518.56 |
| Fall I | 13 | $5,747.00 | $14,091.10 | $4,589.09 |
| Spring I | 13 | $5,747.00 | $14,091.10 | $4,589.09 |
| Summer II | 12 | $5,747.00 | $14,091.10 | $3,887.31 |
| Fall II | 13 | $5,747.00 | $14,091.10 | $4,589.09 |
| Spring II | 11 | $5,747.00 | $14,091.10 | $4,041.59 |
| Summer III | 3 | $1,915.80 | $4,697.10 | $985.71 |
| Fall III | 12 | $5,747.00 | $14,091.10 | $4,315.34 |
| Spring III | 15 | $5,747.00 | $14,091.10 | $5,136.59 |
| Total | 99 | $46,615.00 | $114,294.70 | $34,652.37 |
Differential Tuition
Differential tuition is assessed at $250 per credit hour in addition to tuition and fees.
Differential tuition amounts are charged by the Graduate School according to three variables: student demand; cost of instruction; and the job market value of the degree. When student demand is high and the cost of instruction is high (specialized facilities and equipment; need for additional teaching faculty) more pressure is put on the instructional budgets within Colleges. In addition, classes are smaller at the upper division level and thus more expensive to teach. If the degree from a College has higher earning power (using national data on job placement by discipline), the return on investment for a student is greater.
As a result of the above variables, differential tuitions are charged to bring additional revenues to the Colleges to better serve and prepare students. Colleges use these revenues in a variety of ways, but most often to hire additional faculty or staff; improve lab and research facilities; hire additional staff; increase field and research opportunities; and purchase equipment and innovative technologies that students may use in their future employments. All in all, differential tuition enhances the student learning experience and better prepares them for their next steps.
Fieldwork and Other Related Expenses
Although our fieldwork staff makes every effort to place students in their first-choice locations, please be aware that you will likely need to relocate from Northern Colorado for Level IIA and Level IIB fieldwork in the second summer and third summer or fall of the program. Please be prepared for the additional costs of a short-term move. Additionally, students will be required to complete basic life support certification ($50), criminal background check and drug screening ($93), professional liability insurance ($20), and order a CSU nametag to be worn at FW sites ($10).
All full-time students are required to carry health insurance. This may mean additional expenses if you do not have other coverage. For more information about the requirement, the CSU-specific SHIP policy, and the cost to enroll if necessary, please visit the Student Health Insurance plan website.
As you consider the cost of attending graduate school, please also consider the cost of textbooks, required professional memberships, housing in Fort Collins, and transportation to and from campus and fieldwork.
Residency
Students who have resided in Colorado for one year and intend to remain in Colorado after completing their degree are eligible to petition for resident tuition for their second and third years of the program.
Complete information about residency classification in Colorado and petitioning for residency is available through the Office of Financial Aid.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
- All students are encouraged to submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online annually in order to be considered for federal grants and loans. We recommend redirecting any financial aid questions directly to the Office of Financial Aid.
- Newly admitted and current students are encouraged to submit the CSU Scholarship Application by March 1 of every year on RamWeb. This application opens on Oct. 1 and allows students to apply to all CSU institution scholarships with a single form. Visit the “scholarships” tab on the Office of Financial Aid website for more information. Search for Department of Occupational Therapy scholarships on the College of Health and Human Sciences Scholarships page.
- In addition to institutional scholarships, we encourage applicants to investigate the availability of external scholarships and grants. For example, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation offers 50+ scholarships to those studying to be OTs. Or, students who are eligible are encouraged to apply to the AOTA E.K. Wise Scholarship to Support Diverse Learners.
- Full-time students may qualify for SNAP benefits to help with monthly grocery costs. See the information provided at here for how to schedule a consultation, eligibility requirements, and other available benefits/resources.
Graduate Support Assistantships
A small number of students each year are hired as GSAs in the department to assist with administrative jobs, ranging from assisting with admissions processes to the faculty Curriculum Committee. On average, we are able to offer about 5 positions per year, with each student working approximately 10 hours per week. GSAs come with a wide variety of benefits (listed here), most notably a monthly stipend and tuition remission equal to 50% of the resident tuition rate. Available positions will be posted at the beginning of the fall semester, and all students are encouraged to apply by submitting cover letters and resumes to the hiring authority listed for each particular position. Complete info is available on the Assistantship Benefits, Resources, and Policies website.