Key Takeaways
- Scholarships and loan forgiveness programs can ease the burden, so it’s important to explore all options early.
- Average student loan debt for physical therapists ranges from $116,000 to $154,000, depending on school type and degree level.
- Education costs vary by program, with public in-state schools generally offering the lowest tuition.
- Loan debt impacts career choices, financial stability, and long-term planning—especially for new graduates.
The Call to Help—and Its Cost
Physical therapists help people recover from injury and regain movement. They teach patients to walk, stand, and live without pain. Many enter the field out of a desire to care for others and improve lives.
Roger Herr, president of the American Physical Therapy Association, told Voice of America, “You want to show people they can get back up if they fall. And once they know they can do it, it gives them confidence and it can help reduce the fear of falling.”
But while the motivation to help is strong, many future therapists overlook one key reality: the cost of education. Tuition and loans are major factors that can affect a graduate’s financial future for decades.
Cost of Physical Therapy Education
Your tuition costs will depend on the program and the institution type. Public universities tend to charge less, especially for in-state students. Here’s how it breaks down:
1. Associate Degree Costs
- In-State Tuition: $4,402 – $87,790 (two-year public programs)
- Out-of-State Tuition: $8,200 – $183,899
- Examples:
- Penn State Mont Alto, (Mont Alto, PA): $27,648 for residents; $46,866 for non-residents.
- Oregon State University – Cascades, (Bend, Oregon): $92,674 for residents and $131,329 for non-residents for a three-year program.
- University of Montana (Online): $8,500 total cost for a 20-credit, 3-semester program.
2. Bachelor’s Degree Costs
- Tuition Range: $23,330 – $155,380 (four-year private universities)
- Example: The George Washington University (Washington, DC): ~$50,651 for a two-year physical therapy program.
3. Additional Expenses
- Books and supplies: Textbooks: Overall, your book expenses might range from $1,500 to $3,000 throughout your program, depending on your school’s requirements and whether you can find used copies.
- Licensing costs: Taking the required National Physical Therapy Exam adds $485, and using the Prometric testing center costs another $100.30 for therapists or $82.60 for assistants. Altogether, PTs shell out roughly $585 just for testing, while PTAs spend slightly less at about $568.
- Equipment and apparel: Reflex hammer, goniometer, gait belt, sphygmomanometer, stethoscope. First-year gear costs between $500-$1500, with more money spent as things wear out later.
- Average Student Debt for Physical Therapist Education
Average Student Debt for Physical Therapist Education
Student loan debt varies by degree level and school type. Here’s what to expect:
National Averages
- Associate Degree Graduates: ~$87,551
- Bachelor’s Degree Graduates:
- Public universities: ~$103,000
- Private universities: ~$138,000+
Factors That Influence Debt
- Program Length: Associate degree programs take 2 years to complete, while bachelor’s degrees require 4 years of study. More time in school means more tuition payments and living expenses, leading to higher total debt.
- Institution Type: State schools receive government funding that helps keep costs lower, while private institutions rely more heavily on tuition revenue.
- Financial Aid Availability: AMBUCS Scholars Scholarships for Therapists distributes over $200,000 annually to PT students. Most recipients receive between $600 and $1,500, though a special two-year award of $6,000 exists for exceptional candidates.
Impact of Student Loan Debt on Physical Therapists
1. Career Choices
Debt can influence whether graduates pursue nonprofit jobs with loan forgiveness or private clinics with higher salaries.
2. Financial Stress
Even with average starting salariesaround $70,000, monthly loan payments can consume a significant portion of take-home pay, limiting other financial options like home purchases or retirement savings.
The Bottom Line
Becoming a physical therapist is a rewarding but expensive journey. Expect to graduate with student debt between $116,000 and $154,000. That number makes planning essential.
Compare tuition costs, research financial aid, and consider employers who offer loan repayment support. With good planning, you can pursue a meaningful career in physical therapy while staying in control of your finances.