Physical therapists play an essential role in pain management and recovery for many people with illnesses or injuries. While a career path in physical therapy can be enriching, a PT degree comes with a high cost.
According to 2022 data from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), the average cost of a professional program for an in-state student at a public university is $73,783. That cost jumps to $119,607 for out-of-state students at public universities and $125,055 for students at private universities.
Fortunately, several scholarships for physical therapy students are available, which can help offset the cost of a degree. Here are some popular scholarship options.
1. Rizing Tide Crest Scholarship
Amount: $42,000
Total scholarships available: 2
The Rizing Tide Crest Scholarship winners receive a substantial award that can help significantly reduce their college costs. To be eligible for this physical therapy scholarship, you must enter your first or second year of a physical therapy degree program and come from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group. You’ll also need to maintain a GPA of at least 3.2.
2. For a Bright Future Scholarship Program
Amount: Up to $10,000
Total scholarships available: 18
The For a Bright Future Foundation offers several scholarships for college students, including one for health professionals. While the average award is around $2,500, applicants can get up to $10,000 in scholarship funds. The foundation will assess your financial need, background, and other factors to determine your qualifications for this physical therapy school scholarship.
3. Medical Professional Student Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Total scholarships available: 3
Students who’ve completed their undergraduate coursework and are pursuing an advanced degree in physical therapy can get up to $10,000 in scholarship funds. While anyone who meets this requirement can apply for the Medical Professional Student Scholarship, preference is given to female students and those with financial need.
4. TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Total scholarships available: 35
The TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship is available to seniors finishing their undergraduate degree or graduate students. To qualify, you’ll need to pursue a healthcare career, including physical therapy. Scholarship funds can be used to offset tuition costs or pay for books or other necessary school materials.
5. Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Total scholarships available: 5
The Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarship is available for those entering their third year of medical school. To qualify, you must demonstrate leadership in advancing healthcare and resolving inequities for underserved populations. Medical schools can nominate one student annually for this scholarship; winners receive up to $5,000.
Learn more or nominate someone.
6. Minority Women in Sports Medicine (MWISM) Scholarship
Amount: Up to $4,000
Total scholarships available: not specified
The MWISM Scholarship is available to women from underrepresented groups who are high school seniors and undergraduate students. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence in sports medicine or related fields like physical therapy, athletic training, or kinesiology. Physical therapy scholarship winners receive up to $1,000 annually for four years.
The Bottom Line
A physical therapy degree is expensive, but scholarships can make the cost less of a burden. A range of physical therapy scholarships exist, many awarded at $10,000 or more. Applying for several scholarships is one way to increase your chances of qualifying for substantial aid.
Beyond scholarship awards, federal and private student loans can help you cover college costs. ELFI’s private student loans come with competitive rates and flexible terms—learn more about what we offer.*
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