The True Cost Of DPT Programs – And What We Can Do About It

With insights from Dr. Richard Severin, DPT

If you’re researching the cost of a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) program, you’re probably already feeling the weight—mentally and financially—of what lies ahead.

Maybe you’re a student trying to choose between programs.
Maybe you’re already in one and watching your debt climb.
Or maybe you’re a recent grad wondering, “Was it worth it?”

On this episode of the FitBUX Podcast, we sat down with Dr. Richard Severin, DPT, a clinician, researcher, and educator who’s been vocal about the systemic problems in physical therapy education—particularly around cost. We talked about what’s driving these costs up, how it affects your long-term financial health, and what schools, regulators, and you can do about it.

Let’s break it down.

🎓 How Much Does a DPT Program Really Cost?

According to data from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), the average total cost of a DPT program ranges from $65,000 to over $120,000, depending on whether it’s a public or private institution.

But here’s the thing: that’s just tuition.

Once you factor in living expenses, lost income (because many students can’t work during clinical rotations), loan interest, and fees, the true out-of-pocket cost can exceed $150,000 or more.

Dr. Severin points out a frustrating truth:

“Many students don’t fully understand the financial commitment they’re making until they’re knee-deep in the program—and by then, it’s hard to reverse course.”

💸 Why Are DPT Tuition Costs So High?

We asked the obvious question: What’s driving the increase in tuition?

Dr. Severin gave us a few reasons:

1. Lack of Standardization:
   DPT programs vary widely in length, structure, and required credits. This makes it difficult to compare costs apples-to-apples.

2. Institutional Overhead:
   Some schools increase tuition to support non-educational expenses (think: administrative bloat, campus amenities) that don’t directly improve the student experience.

3. Accreditation Pressure:
   Programs may add more coursework or clinical hours to “look better on paper,” even if it doesn’t translate to better clinical outcomes.

4. Supply and Demand:
   More students applying means schools feel less pressure to justify tuition hikes.

5. Student Loan Access:
   Since most DPT students rely heavily on federal student loans, schools know tuition isn’t an upfront cost—it’s deferred. That reduces pricing pressure.

📊 The Financial Impact on DPT Graduates

FitBUX data shows that many DPT grads leave school with $120K–$180K in student debt.

Now compare that to the average starting salary for physical therapists, which ranges between $65,000 and $80,000 per year depending on region and setting.

If that math makes your stomach drop, you’re not alone.

Here’s how it typically plays out:

• Monthly loan payments can consume 20%–30% of take-home pay.

• Delays in hitting financial milestones: buying a home, saving for retirement, or even starting a family.

• Long-term stress and burnout—especially if your passion for PT begins to feel like a financial trap.

🧠 What Can Be Done About It?

This is where the episode really shines.

Dr. Severin doesn’t just critique—he proposes solutions:

1. Increase Transparency

Programs should clearly disclose:

• Total cost (not just tuition)

• Average student debt at graduation

• Employment outcomes

If law schools and med schools can do this, why not DPT programs?

2. Reimagine the Curriculum

Dr. Severin suggests that:

• Many programs could be shortened without sacrificing educational quality.

• More hybrid and accelerated models could lower cost without reducing outcomes.

3. Professional Accountability

Associations and accrediting bodies (like APTA and CAPTE) need to:

• Acknowledge the tuition crisis

• Lead with data

• Support policies that promote cost-effective education

4. Better Financial Planning Tools

That’s where platforms like FitBUX come in. We help students and new grads build personalized financial plans around their goals—whether that’s paying off debt, refinancing, pursuing PSLF, or saving for a future home.

🔁 Is PT School Still Worth It?

That depends.

If you know what you’re getting into, pick the right program, and have a solid financial plan—you can thrive. But if you walk in blind, you risk spending the next 10–20 years trying to recover financially.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:

✅ Are you choosing a program that aligns with your long-term goals (and budget)?
✅ Do you have a realistic understanding of your loan options—IDR, PSLF, or refinancing?
✅ Do you know what your FitBUX Score is and how your financial decisions today will impact your future?

If you’re not sure, that’s exactly what we’re here for.

🎙️ Listen to the Full Episode

This article just scratches the surface.
🎧 Check out the full podcast episode with Dr. Severin to hear:

• Real stories from DPT students and grads

• Actionable advice for cutting costs

• Why tuition reform in PT education needs to be on everyone’s radar

Final Thoughts: Knowledge Is Power

The cost of a DPT program isn’t just a line item—it’s a life decision.

We created FitBUX to help you navigate it with confidence. Because when you understand your finances, you take back control of your future.

Ready to take the first step toward financial freedom as a healthcare professional?
👉 Sign up for FitBUX and build your free financial plan today.
We’ve helped over 20,000 members manage more than $2.7 billion in debt and assets. You’re next.