DPT programs cost $70K–$120K total over three years. But because Physical Therapy isn’t classified as “Professional” — despite being a clinical doctorate requiring licensure — you’re capped at $20,500 a year.
DPT is a clinical doctorate, but the federal government treats it like a master's. The borrowing cap reflects that.
You'll earn a doctorate and need a license to practice, but the federal government caps you at $20,500 a year. The median DPT program costs $50,196, leaving a $29,696 gap.
Three years at $20,500 is $61,500 in federal loans against a $100,000 limit. That leaves room, unless you carry significant undergraduate debt.
Already enrolled? You may get up to 3 years of grandfathering. Starting fall 2026 or later? The caps apply from day one.
DPT is a clinical doctorate requiring 3 years of study, clinical rotations, and board licensure. Yet under 34 CFR § 668.2, it’s classified as “graduate” — not “professional” — resulting in a $29,500/year lower borrowing cap than MD students.
| School | Annual COA | Federal Cap | Annual Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | $125,233 | $20,500 | −$104,733 |
| USC (DPT) | $115,963 | $20,500 | −$95,463 |
| Franklin Pierce | $99,860 | $20,500 | −$79,360 |
| Boston U (DPT) | $90,734 | $20,500 | −$70,234 |
| Northwestern (DPT) | $89,639 | $20,500 | −$69,139 |
| Saint Joseph's | $86,696 | $20,500 | −$66,196 |
| Mt St Mary's | $83,894 | $20,500 | −$63,394 |
| WesternU (DPT) | $83,363 | $20,500 | −$62,863 |
Source: The 2026 Graduate Education Funding Crisis: A Data Report. Full methodology →
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