Articles & Guides
Funding strategies, cost comparisons, and policy analysis for DPT school students.
Why Physical Therapy Gets $20,500, Not $50,000
DPT students are capped at $20,500/year in federal loans while medical students get $50,000. The gap averages $33,647/year across 206 programs.
$375,699 Degree: Most Expensive Physical Therapy Programs (2026)
The most expensive DPT programs in 2026 cost up to $375,699. See the top 20 ranked by total cost under the $20,500 federal cap.
$104,733 Annual Gap: Physical Therapy Largest Funding Gaps (2026)
The largest DPT funding gap in 2026 is $104,733/year. See the 20 most expensive programs and learn how the $20,500 federal cap affects 206 DPT programs.
Is Physical Therapy Worth the Debt? 2026 ROI Analysis
Is DPT worth the debt in 2026? Debt-to-income ratios range from 0.82:1 to 4.42:1 across 206 programs. See the data before you commit.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Physical Therapy Costs: $103,379 Gap
In-state vs out-of-state DPT cost differs by up to $103,379 over 3 years. See the 20 biggest surcharges and how residency changes your funding gap.
Every Physical Therapy Program Ranked by Total Cost (2026)
We ranked 206 DPT programs by total cost. The median is $156,060 and 100% exceed the $20,500/year federal loan cap. See where your program falls.
100% Gap Rate: Every DPT Program Exceeds Federal Loan Limits
All 206 DPT programs exceed the $20,500 federal loan cap, creating a median $31,595/year gap. See the full data and find your program's shortfall.
Transferring Physical Therapy Programs? Grandfathering Rules Explained
Transferring DPT programs in 2026 may void your grandfathered loan status, dropping your cap to $20,500/year with a $33,647 average gap.
2026 Federal Loan Limit for Physical Therapy: $20,500 Cap Explained
The 2026 DPT federal loan limit is $20,500/year after Grad PLUS elimination. With median programs costing $52,095/year, that's a $31,595 annual gap.