I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolThe Top 100 Best Physical Therapy Schools in the U.S. (2024)
Updated on August 25, 2024
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At a Glance:
The top 5 physical therapy schools in the U.S. are the University of Southern California, the University of Pittsburgh, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Delaware, and the University of Iowa.
These schools offer comprehensive programs and clinical experiences to prepare students for a career in physical therapy.
However, there are many other notable schools across the country, as reflected in the top 100 ranking of physical therapy schools.
You are planning to major in physical therapy and you want to study in the United States. You might have heard that the US has the best physical therapy schools worldwide, so of course, the US crossed your mind when deciding to choose your PT school.
We want to help you pursue your dreams and choose the best school for you so in this article you will find a ranking of the top 100 physical therapy schools in the United States.
The trophy for the best physical therapy school goes to the University of Southern California. The second best school for you to consider is the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania.
We give an overview of both schools below and wrap up the article with the top 100 list you have been waiting for.
5 Best Physical Therapy Schools in the U.S.
Topping our list of the best Physical Therapy schools in the U.S. are:
- University of Southern California
- University of Pittsburgh
- Washington University in St. Louis
- University of Delaware
- University of Iowa
Read on to learn what makes these schools the best of the best for a Physical Therapy education!
1. University of Southern California
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Estimated Annual Tuition (including living expenses): $26,021
The University of Southern California offers a complete 115-unit program in physical therapy. In order to be able to achieve 115 units, the program is made up of six semesters and two summer courses.
In addition, the university has made it obligatory as part of their curriculum during all 3 years to gain clinical experience during your studies.
Once you have finished your three years with success, the USC graduate school will award you with a D.P.T., the degree of Doctor of Physical Therapy.
In order to complete your studies with success, you need to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in all of your courses. Aside from excelling academically, USC requires recipients of the award to meet all professional standards and to pass all clinical clerkships.
2. University of Pittsburgh
Location: Cambridge, MA
Estimated Annual Tuition (including living expenses): $22,996
The childhood jingle “second is the best” rings true when you consider the accolades and prestige of the University of Pittsburgh PT program.
The University of Pittsburgh offers a full-time program that will lead you down the path to getting your D.P.T. degree in three years or an equivalent of nine semesters.
During the last year, all students have to do a one-year internship in a clinic to complete their degree.
3. Washington University in St. Louis
Location: St. Louis, MO
Estimated Annual Tuition (including living expenses): $30,096
The Washington University Program in Physical Therapy is a full-time, three-year program.
The program combines the classroom and clinical learning to prepare the students for professional leadership. The esteemed faculty of the program is recognized for its extensive command of neuromuscular and orthopedic conditions as well as in-depth knowledge of movement impairment classification.
Founded in 1942, the Program in Physical Therapy will make the students fully prepared to treat as well as diagnose the patients’ movement impairments.
4. University of Delaware
Location: Newark, DE
Estimated Annual Tuition (including living expenses): $85,960
One of the largest programs in the College of Health Sciences, The University of Delaware DPT Program is a university-based extensive physical therapist educational program.
The curriculum is designed to develop lifelong learning skills amongst the students and enables them to become pioneers in their respective careers.
The program regularly utilizes instructors who are well-known experts to help students establish relationships between clinical research and practice. The faculty members of the DPT program are of the belief that the university is a suitable environment to educate and prepare future physical therapists.
World Report and The US News ranked the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program as the best in the country
5. University of Iowa
Location: Iowa City, IA
Estimated Annual Tuition (including living expenses): $17,599
The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science offers a distinctive learning experience to its students. The program provides proper resources to the students to harmonize the mission of excellence in research, clinical service, and teaching.
The department is situated in the Carver College of Medicine. The Department of Rehabilitation Therapies is a unique department in the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences offers degrees like DPT, MA, and Ph.D.
As a professional clinical entry-level program, the Doctor of Physical Therapy or DPT admits about 40 students in the month of July every year. The program is 2½ year curriculum and includes 35 weeks of clinical education experience (full time).
If the candidates complete the curriculum satisfactorily, they shall be allowed to partake in a state-administered national licensing examination.
Now we get to our top 100 Physical Therapy Schools in the United States!
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Top 100 Ranking US Physical Therapy Schools
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern California | |
| 2 | University of Pittsburgh | |
| 3 | Washington University in St. Louis | |
| 4 | University of Delaware | |
| 5 | University of Iowa | |
| 6 | US Army-Baylor University | |
| 7 | Arcadia University | |
| 8 | MGH Institute of Health Professions | |
| 9 | Northwestern University | |
| 10 | University of Miami | |
| 11 | Emory University | |
| 12 | University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill | |
| 13 | Duke University | |
| 14 | University of California–San Francisco | |
| 15 | New York University | |
| 16 | University of Florida | |
| 17 | University of Illinois–Chicago | |
| 18 | University of Maryland–Baltimore | |
| 19 | Creighton University | |
| 20 | Marquette University | |
| 21 | Ohio State University | |
| 22 | University of Minnesota–Twin Cities | |
| 23 | University of Utah | |
| 24 | Boston University | |
| 25 | Texas Woman’s University | |
| 26 | University of Kansas Medical Center | |
| 27 | University of Texas Medical Branch–Galveston | |
| 28 | Virginia Commonwealth University | |
| 29 | Northern Arizona University | |
| 30 | Regis University | |
| 31 | University of Alabama–Birmingham | |
| 32 | University of Washington | |
| 33 | Columbia University | |
| 34 | Mayo School of Health Related Sciences | |
| 35 | University of Colorado–Denver | |
| 36 | University of Nebraska Medical Center | |
| 37 | University of Wisconsin–Madison | |
| 38 | University of Kentucky | |
| 39 | University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center | |
| 40 | University of Wisconsin–La Crosse | |
| 41 | Ithaca College | |
| 42 | Ohio University | |
| 43 | Simmons College | |
| 44 | St. Louis University | |
| 45 | Temple University | |
| 46 | University of Central Arkansas | |
| 47 | University of Indianapolis | |
| 48 | University of Montana–Missoula | |
| 49 | University of Tennessee Health Science Center | |
| 50 | University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center–Dallas | |
| 51 | University of Vermont | |
| 52 | Belmont University | |
| 53 | Indiana University–Indianapolis | |
| 54 | Sacred Heart University | |
| 55 | University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–Newark | |
| 56 | University of Missouri | |
| 57 | Drexel University | |
| 58 | Eastern Washington University | |
| 59 | Old Dominion University | |
| 60 | Pacific University | |
| 61 | Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science | |
| 62 | Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey–Camden/UMDNJ | |
| 63 | St. Ambrose University | |
| 64 | Stony Brook University–SUNY | |
| 65 | Texas State University–San Marcos | |
| 66 | University at Buffalo–SUNY | |
| 67 | University of Connecticut | |
| 68 | University of Michigan–Flint | |
| 69 | Bradley University | |
| 70 | Chapman University | |
| 71 | College of St. Scholastica | |
| 72 | East Carolina University | |
| 73 | Medical College of Georgia | |
| 74 | Medical University of South Carolina | |
| 75 | Northeastern University | |
| 76 | Samuel Merritt University | |
| 77 | SUNY Upstate Medical Center | |
| 78 | Thomas Jefferson University | |
| 79 | University of North Dakota | |
| 80 | University of Puget Sound | |
| 81 | University of South Carolina | |
| 82 | University of South Florida | |
| 83 | University of Tennessee–Chattanooga | |
| 84 | West Virginia University | |
| 85 | Armstrong Atlantic State University | |
| 86 | Elon University | |
| 87 | St. Catherine University | |
| 88 | SUNY Downstate Medical Center | |
| 89 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | |
| 90 | University of Evansville | |
| 91 | University of Rhode Island | |
| 92 | University of Texas Health Science Center–San Antonio | |
| 93 | University of the Pacific | |
| 94 | University of the Pacific | |
| 95 | California State University–Fresno | |
| 96 | California State University–Northridge | |
| 97 | Concordia University Wisconsin | |
| 98 | CUNY–Hunter College | |
| 99 | George Washington University | |
| 100 | Georgia State University |
5 Best Personal Loans
The pursuit of a career in physical therapy promises both personal fulfillment and professional growth. However, the costs associated with acquiring the necessary education can be a hurdle. Below, we spotlight lenders ideal for various credit situations to aid aspiring physical therapists in financing their dreams.
AmOne (Best for Okay to Good Credit)
For students pursuing a future in physical therapy and who have maintained okay to good credit standings, AmOne stands as a supportive financial partner. Physical therapy is a vital domain in healthcare, and as such, requires specialized training and education. Recognizing the dedication of these future therapists, AmOne offers a range of student loan options tailored to match their specific credit situations. Their extensive network ensures that students with a decent credit history find the right loan solution to fuel their aspirations.
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Spring Loans (Best for Bad and No Credit)
Embarking on a journey in physical therapy is an admirable choice, and Spring
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First Premier Lending (Best for Bad Credit)
Future physical therapists who have encountered past credit setbacks can find solace with First Premier Lending. Emphasizing the importance of second chances, this lender looks beyond mere credit scores, understanding that the dedication to heal is of paramount importance. By providing loan options tailored for those with imperfect credit histories, First Premier Lending supports the dreams of many aspiring therapists, ensuring they can focus on their studies and their eventual patients.
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on website
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First Premier Lending Personal Loans
Min. credit score
None
Fixed APR
27.00%
Variable APR
N/A
Best Student Loans for Physical Therapy School
College Ave (Best for Good Credit)
With its sterling reputation in the student loan space, College Ave serves as an excellent choice for physical therapy students who have been diligent in maintaining good credit. The rigorous curriculum and demands of physical therapy education come with significant costs, and College Ave addresses these needs by offering competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. Their tailored loan solutions reward the efforts of those students who have shown financial responsibility in their past.
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College Ave Undergraduate Private Student Loans
Min. credit score
600 or better
Fixed APR
4.07% - 15.48%
Variable APR
5.59% - 16.69%
Sallie Mae (Best for Very Good Credit)
Sallie Mae, a distinguished name in the student loan industry, is the top-tier choice for those with exemplary credit histories. Recognizing the long-term commitment and potential of a physical therapy career, Sallie Mae offers premium loan solutions catered to the financial needs of these dedicated students. Combining low-interest rates, transparent terms, and impeccable service, Sallie Mae ensures that the brightest in the physical therapy field have the financial resources they need to excel.
Check rate
on website
on website
Sallie Mae Undergraduate Private Student Loans
Min. credit score
Mid-600's
Fixed APR
4.50-15.49%
Variable APR
6.37-16.70%
What Criteria Define the Best Physical Therapy Schools in the U.S.?
The top physical therapy schools are often ranked based on criteria like accreditation status, graduation rates, licensure exam pass rates, faculty qualifications, research opportunities, and student feedback. These factors ensure that the schools provide high-quality education and prepare students effectively for their careers.
Can Rankings for Physical Therapy Schools Vary?
Yes, rankings for physical therapy schools can vary depending on the source. Different publications or organizations might emphasize various aspects such as research, student support, or clinical training, leading to different rankings. Always consider the criteria used for ranking when evaluating schools.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Physical Therapy School?
When choosing a physical therapy school, consider factors such as the program’s curriculum, clinical rotation opportunities, location, cost, accreditation status, and the school’s overall reputation. Also, consider how well the program aligns with your career goals and interests.
Are There Online Physical Therapy Programs Available in the U.S.?
While most physical therapy programs require in-person clinical training, some schools may offer hybrid programs that combine online coursework with on-campus clinical experiences. However, fully online programs are rare due to the hands-on nature of the field.
How Important is Accreditation for Physical Therapy Schools?
Accreditation is crucial for physical therapy schools. Graduating from an accredited program is often a requirement for licensure. Accreditation ensures that the program meets national standards for education in physical therapy and provides a level of assurance about the quality of education.
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Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.