How Much Does Physical Therapy School Cost?

Last Updated on April 30, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is a major financial investment that requires careful planning and budgeting. With tuition, fees, equipment, clinical training, and living costs, the total price tag for physical therapy school is often high.

However, opportunities exist to reduce expenses through scholarships, federal aid, university funding, and wise spending habits.

In this guide, we’ll break down the factors driving DPT program costs, how expenses vary by school, budgeting strategies, financial aid resources, loan management, and tips for maximizing your return on investment.

Whether you’re researching programs or already admitted, understanding the dollars and cents involved with earning your physical therapy credentials equips you to make strategic decisions.

How Much Does Physical Therapy School Cost?

Physical Therapy School consists of tuition and fees, which alone for the typical 3-year program range from $30,000 at in-state public universities up to $150,000 at elite private institutions.

Books, lab costs, licensure exam fees, clinical training expenses, and living costs drive total costs above $100,000 at many schools. Obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree requires a major financial commitment.

On average, these rigorous 3-year graduate programs cost:

• $30,000 to $60,000 for in-state public university programs
• $60,000 to $90,000+ at private institutions and out-of-state public schools

Additional expenses like books, lab fees, equipment, and living costs add $20,000 or more.

For some, this large investment understandably triggers “sticker shock”. However, when approached strategically, a physical therapy education offers tremendous lifelong return on investment through impactful, financially stable careers improving others’ health and mobility.

Components of Physical Therapy School Costs

Two primary buckets of expenses make up the total cost of earning your DPT credentials:

Direct Academic Expenses

This includes tuition, fees, equipment, and other school-based costs:

• Tuition is typically charged per credit hour. Rates span $500 to $1,500+ depending on public/private status. Multiplying by the ~100 credit DPT requirement equates to $50,000 to $150,000+ in base tuition costs.
• School fees including lab charges, clinical course expenses, technology fees, health insurance, and administrative costs tally an additional $5,000 to $15,000+.
• Textbooks and supplies like professional attire, assessments, and therapeutic tools often reach $3,000 to $6,000.
• Licensure exam fees to earn your license after graduation cost $500 to $1000.
• Membership dues for APTA and other associations average $100 to $250

Personal Living Expenses

Costs incurred for housing, food, transportation, and other living essentials for 3 years often total:

• Housing/rent near campus – $12,000 to $15,000+ per year
• Transportation costs like insurance, gas, and repairs can reach $2,000 to $4,000 annually
• Food and other basic living needs tally $5,000 to $10,000 yearly
• Insurance premiums for health, dental, and vision average $1,000 to $2,000 depending on age and coverage selected.

Careful tracking and budgeting helps you map out the full financial landscape.

According to the Western Kentucky University website, Physical Therapy studies cost as follows:

• Bellarmine University (Louisville): $33,000 per year
• Belmont University (Tennessee): $25,970 per year
• University of Evansville (Indiana): $26,960 per year for fall and spring, plus summer fees

A Reddit user wrote that tuition for a 2-year MSc in the UK ranges from $21,000 to $36,000 per year.

USA.edu notes in an article that annual tuition ranges from $4,316 to $87,400, with total costs ranging from $17,516 to $135,188 for public in-state PT schools. Annual tuition ranges from $6,625 to $143,200, with total costs ranging from $37,437 to $217,070 for public out-of-state PT schools. Annual tuition ranges from $22,850 to $112,101, with total costs ranging from $70,128 to $213,423 in private PT school.

Budgeting Tips

Since DPT programs span approximately three years of intensive coursework, establishing a realistic multi-year budget helps anticipate costs:

• Thoroughly research tuition rates, fees, clinical training expenses, and licensure costs for your program
• Map out a reasonable budget for living – roommates near campus save substantially on housing
• Account for lost income if temporarily leaving the workforce while in school
• Build savings to cover at least your first-year costs before enrolling
• Track expenditures diligently to avoid surprise shortfalls

Creating a funding plan to complement your savings – through financial aid, family help, income, and scholarships – makes costs manageable. Value needs over wants.

Financial Aid Options

Applying for financial aid effectively reduces out-of-pocket expenses:

• Federal direct loans allow borrowing up to $20,500 annually at favorable student loan rates, with varied repayment plans
• Grants like Federal Pell Grants and FSEOGs provide up to $5,500 in needs-based aid that doesn’t need repayment
• Federal work-study programs enable earning money for tuition through flexible campus job opportunities
• University scholarships help defray costs based on criteria like academics, sports, or research

Submitting your FAFSA early maximizes access to first-come aid funds. Also apply for scholarships from APTA, foundations, employers, and other sources.

Scholarships and Grants

Beyond federal or school aid programs, many scholarship and grant opportunities specifically help future physical therapists reduce education costs:

• The APTA awards over $500,000in annual scholarships for DPT students, with individual amounts ranging from $1,000 up to $5,000.
• Numerous private foundations provide scholarships, like PPSF which awards over $150,000 annually in amounts averaging $1,500.
• Employers may offer tuition assistance programs providing as much as $5,250in tax-free reimbursement each year through the Educational Assistance Program.
• University endowed scholarship funds award money based on criteria like academics, research potential, volunteering, sports, music, or community service interests.

Applying annually to an array of scholarship sources maximizes your chances of being awarded supplemental cost offsets to make DPT school more affordable.

Let’s Compare Program Costs

Since DPT tuition rates vary dramatically based on public/private status and residency, students should compare total expenses:

• In-state public universities offer the most affordable tuition, saving residents 50% or more compared to private options
• Private institutions boast benefits like smaller class sizes, renowned faculty, cutting-edge resources, and flexible paid clinical placements – justifying higher costs for some students
• Completing prerequisites at a community college cuts costs substantially before applying to DPT programs

Choosing an economical yet rigorous program helps limit borrowing and indebtedness.

Return on Investment of a DPT Degree

Despite the high published costs, pursuing physical therapy education offers excellent lifelong return on investment through robust career prospects:

• The median salary for physical therapists is approximately $91,000according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with top earners making over $123,000
• Projected job growth of 18% between 2020-2030means high demand for graduating DPTs entering the field
• High starting salaries and strong demand make repaying student loans manageable for PT graduates relative to other fields
• Intangible rewards like helping patients, workplace stability, and career flexibility provide added ROI

While costly, proper planning means a DPT degree delivers gainful, meaningful employment.

You might also like our articles about the cost of becoming an ultrasound technician, chiropractor, or esthetician.

Strategies for Student Debt After Graduation

Despite your best efforts, most DPT students rely on educational loans and graduate with debt. Smart repayment strategies help manage debt:

• Enroll in federal income-driven repayment plans that cap monthly payments to affordable percentages of your salary
• Target high-interest private loans first when making payments beyond monthly minimums
• Consider DPT jobs in underserved areas or settings like non-profits to access student loan forgiveness programs
• Make payments on time and in full to prevent ballooning interest and credit score impacts

With deliberate focus and planning, DPT graduates can overcome debt and gain long-term financial freedom.

Career Salaries, Job Prospects, and Earnings Potential

The main motivation for taking on DPT program costs is the prospect of future earnings empowering graduates to overcome debt. The outlook is bright:

• Median salary exceeds $90,000 nationwide, ranging from $70,000 up to $130,000+ depending on setting and specialization
• Job opportunities are expanding rapidly, with 18% growth projected through 2030 – much faster than most fields
• With clinical experience, salaries commonly reach 6 figures within 5 years post-graduation
• Specialists in areas like orthopedics or neurology earn $115,000+ on average
• Demand is high for therapists nationwide, especially in rural and underserved communities

While repaying debt may require frugality initially after school, mid to long term earnings potential is tremendous and stable within the physical therapy field.

Additional Cost Considerations

Alongside direct school costs and career prospects, other factors influence program choices:

• Attending an institution accredited by CAPTE ensures your program meets quality standards for maximum career opportunities after graduation
• Some universities provide dedicated DPT career and financial counselors to help guide students before, during, and after the program
• Consider online blended programs to reduce commuting and living costs while gaining practical experience

Evaluating total costs, support services, teaching quality, and career prep helps identify schools offering true value.

Final Words

While completing a DPT program requires taking on substantial debt for many students, physical therapy’s favorable career prospects make education costs a wise investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does PT school cost in Texas?

For in-state students at public universities like UT Southwestern and TX State, the total cost of attendance for a DPT program in Texas ranges from $30,000 – $50,000. Out-of-state students pay $15,000-$20,000 more annually. Private programs average $70,000-$90,000 total.

What is the acceptance rate for UNC PT school?

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has one of the more competitive DPT programs, with a 3-4% acceptance rate. Applicants should expect to meet high GPA and GRE requirements to be admitted. In-state costs are around $32,000 total.

How long is the high point DPT program?

High Point University offers an accelerated 6-semester DPT program. By completing fall, spring, and summer semesters, students finish in just 2 years rather than the standard 3, expediting entry into the workforce. Total tuition is approximately $92,000.