11 Most Affordable Physiotherapy Programs in USA for International Students (2025)

11 Most Affordable Physiotherapy in USA for International Students

Physiotherapy Programs in USA

Physiotherapy in USA earn up to $155,000 annually, with a median salary of $85,620. These attractive numbers make physiotherapy a compelling career path for international students.

The career prospects look promising, but the costs can be overwhelming. Students typically spend between $20,350 to $60,000 yearly on physiotherapy courses in USA.  An additional $1,250 to $2,700 per month is spent on living expenses.  Due to these high expenses, many international students search for affordable physical therapy programs that meet strong academic standards.

     We have compiled a full list of 11 affordable physical therapy programs in the United States.  These educational institutions offer excellent instruction at affordable prices.  You don’t have to spend all of your money to fulfill your dream of studying physiotherapy in the United States.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center ($49,278/year)

The academic success of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is outstanding. The students achieve a 95.7% first-time pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Licensure Examination (NPTE). Graduates find employment within six months of completing their degree.

Program Overview and Specializations

                    This three-year DPT program combine difficult classes with practical clinical experience.  The term clinical practice, behavioral sciences, and basic sciences are all covered in the 100 credit hours of courses that students must finish.  The 36 weeks of full-time clinical training in state-of-the-art facilities are part of the program.

Complete Cost Breakdown

The international students should budget these annual expenses:

• Tuition and Fees: $27,470 for first year
• Books and Supplies: $2,000
• Housing and Food: $17,064
• Transportation: $6,000
• Personal Expenses: $10,201

          International students pay $89,809 for the complete program, not including health insurance. This investment brings a great value through quality education and career prospects.

International Student Support Services

The university’s International Student Services office gives a  students detailed support that includes:

• Immigration documentation
• Academic adjustment guidance
• Cultural integration support

      The international students must show English proficiency through one of these scores:

• TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 79 (internet-based)
• IELTS overall band score of 6.5 on the Academic version

Scholarship Opportunities

DPT students can access several financial aid options:

• School-specific scholarships based on academic performance
• Merit-based competitive scholarships for incoming students
• Graduate assistantships just for DPT students

             The Employee’s Dependent Scholarships support the dependents of eligible academics or staff.  Through the process of Our Legacy, students who experience unforeseen difficulties can receive assistance.   The Student Foundation now offers merit-based scholarships and emergency financial aid.

            Students can choose from three campuses – Lubbock, Amarillo, and Odessa. Each campus features modern teaching and laboratory facilities. The program managed to keep its position as the #1 DPT Program in the United States from 2016 to 2018, based on student satisfaction surveys.

University of Central Arkansas ($54,698/year)

           The University of Central Arkansas is started Arkansas’s first physical therapy program in 1972. These days, it offers a full Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree that lasts for nine semesters in a row.

Program Features

Students complete 124 credit hours in this program and gain 39 weeks of clinical internship experience. The faculty members hold doctoral degrees with specialized certifications in brain injury, geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and wound care. A modern 40,000-square-foot facility dedicated to physical therapy education stands alongside a 4,000-square-foot gross anatomy laboratory.

Total Program Costs

Here’s what you’ll pay for the three-year program:

• In-state tuition: $35,389
• Institutional fees: $14,272
• Program-related expenses: $4,044 (has required texts and laboratory fees)

International students pay $54,698 annually, which covers:

• Out-of-state tuition and fees
• International administrative fee: $500
• Health insurance: $1,500
• Housing (shared room): $3,920
• Books: $1,200

Financial Aid Options

The university is supporting the students financially – 97% of incoming students receive some form of Scholarship. Students can access:

• New student scholarships averaging $6,940
• Federal grants for 42% of first-year students, approximately $5,004
• Graduate assistantships specifically for DPT students
• Merit-based institutional scholarships tied to academic performance

Living Expense Considerations

Conway ranks as the second least expensive college city with affordable living options. Students should plan for:

• Different housing needs during clinical rotations
• Travel costs for out-of-state clinical experiences
• Personal health insurance that covers accidental injury
• Extra costs for:

• • Background checks
  • Immunization updates
  • Annual TB tests
  • Healthcare Provider CPR certification

            The program works closely with the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences and provides inter professional training in a modern Interprofessional Teaching Center. Students from Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas qualify for in-state tuition rates, making this program a great choice for regional applicants.

Texas Woman’s University ($54,731/year)

        The Texas Woman’s University’s School of Physical Therapy ranks among the nation’s leading physical therapy schools. The school runs a challenging 33-month Doctor of Physical Therapy program at its Denton, Dallas, and Houston centers.

Curriculum Highlights

        The DPT program covers 98 semester credit hours of detailed study. Students take part in full-time, year-round coursework that focuses on:

• Compassionate patient care
• Diversity in healthcare
• Health and well-being promotion
• Professional leadership development

              Students must complete 32 weeks of hands-on training at four different clinical sites as part of their requirements. The program maintains high academic standards and allows only two ‘C’ grades throughout the course.

Tuition and Fee Structure

International students’ annual costs are:

• First Year: $33,594 tuition + $5,606 institutional fees
• Second Year: $27,486 tuition + $4,878 institutional fees
• Third Year: $13,743 tuition + $2,706 institutional fees

Program-related expenses include:

• Year 1: $1,500
• Year 2: $2,100
• Year 3: $2,300

International Student Resources

TWU’s International Affairs office provides strong support through:

• Immigration advising services
• Cultural exchange programs
• Global citizenship initiatives

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) helps with:

• Immigration documentation
• Campus community integration
• Cultural adjustment support

New international students pay an additional service fee of $65 per term.

Housing and Transportation Costs

Students living off-campus should budget for:

• Housing and meals: $12,996 annually
• Personal expenses: $2,997
• Transportation: $1,539
• Books and supplies: $1,174

            Students graduate with an average debt of $30,319 from the DPT Program. The program’s high academic standards and detailed clinical training make it a valuable investment for international students seeking quality physical therapy education in the USA.

          U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks the program among top PT schools. Students get real-life clinical experiences through mutually beneficial alliances with healthcare facilities, preparing them for successful physical therapy careers.

University of North Texas ($52,870/year)

The University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth runs a 33-month Doctor of Physical Therapy program with space for 48 students yearly. Students can start their journey in July, which makes this program a great pick for international students looking for budget-friendly physiotherapy courses in USA.

Program Strengths

        The DPT program blends hands-on clinical work with academic excellence. Students get access to:

• A complete curriculum that runs for 135 weeks
• Modern teaching facilities
• Rich clinical training options
• Deep focus on learning across healthcare disciplines

                Note that submitting applications early boosts your chances of landing an interview. The team reviews candidates based on their grades, how well they understand physical therapy roles, recommendation letters, community work and activities outside class.

Cost Analysis

International students should budget these yearly expenses:

• Fall semester tuition: $9,769
• Spring semester tuition: $10,131
• Medical services fee: $200 per year
• Student services fee: $250 each semester
• Books and supplies: $2,770 (first year)
• Laboratory fees: Part of program costs

Out-of-state students pay $91,696 for the full program. The high job placement rate and career growth potential make this investment worthwhile.

Available Scholarships

Students can tap into several funding sources:

• Federal Stafford Student Loan Program: Up to $20,500 yearly
• Grad PLUS loans that cover all attendance costs
• Greater Therapy Centers DPT Scholarship: $2,500 per semester
• Merit scholarships from departments
• Work-study options with flexible schedules

International students who win competitive scholarships worth $1,000 or more can pay in-state tuition rates. Students can apply for fall scholarships between February 15 and May 15.

Student Success Rate

The program shows remarkable results through:

• Perfect first-time pass rate on National Physical Therapy Examination
• Excellent job placement numbers
• Students graduate with average debt of $52,622
• Regular top rankings among physical therapy programs

        The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredits this program. UNT Health Science Center’s strong student support and high academic standards will give international students quality education at reasonable costs.

Tennessee State University ($53,723/year)

Tennessee State University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program ranks among the most affordable physical therapy schools in USA. TSU, Nashville’s only public Historically Black College/University (HBCU), delivers excellent education at great value.

Course Structure

       The DPT program combines hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge effectively. Students learn at the Tiger Community Rehab Clinic and participate in activities with Meharry Medical University medical students. They also get real-life experience in a variety of healthcare settings.

Students must meet these academic requirements:

• Complete a minimum of 12 hours for undergraduate studies
• Maintain 9 hours at graduate level per semester
• Attend at least one national plus one state-level professional conference

Financial Requirements

International students should plan for these annual expenses:

• Tuition and fees: $33,093
• Books and supplies: $1,500
• Room and board: $9,660
• Transportation: $2,000
• Miscellaneous expenses: $450

New applicants need to submit:

• Application fee: $78
• Financial documentation showing sufficient funds
• Health insurance coverage proof

Support Services

      Students receive complete assistance through TSU’s Student Health Services in Floyd-Payne Campus Center. The university supports professional development and research for both faculty and students.

Financial support options include:

• Graduate assistantships (two positions annually)
• 250-mile radius tuition discount program
• POTUS Fellowships for qualifying students
• LEND trainee scholarship ($700) for pediatric specialization

Career Outcomes

The program’s achievements speak for themselves:

• Consistent ranking among top healthcare programs
• High employment rate within six months of graduation
• Strong partnerships with local healthcare facilities
• Board-certified faculty specialists in:

• • Geriatrics
  • Neurology
  • Orthopedics
  • Sports medicine
  • Women’s health

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredits the program, which allows graduates to practice anywhere in the United States. Students get unique experience serving underserved populations at no cost through the Tiger Community Rehabilitation Clinic.

University of Montana ($53,766/year)

The University of Montana’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program boasts a remarkable 100% graduation rate. Students complete their training in 33 months, which spans 115 weeks and prepares them for thriving careers in physical therapy.

Program Benefits

The DPT program shines through these achievements:

• 100% overall pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Exam
• 100% employment rate post-graduation
• Students can combine DPT with Master of Public Health or Master of Business Administration degrees

     The curriculum features three full-time clinical internships and two part-time integrated clinical experiences at the UMPT Clinic. The incoming class shows strong academic credentials:

• Average GPA: 3.74
• Prerequisite GPA: 3.809
• GRE Scores: Verbal 153.6, Quantitative 153.3, Writing 4.35

Expense Breakdown

International students’ annual costs break down as follows:

• Out-of-state tuition: $40,732.30
• Institutional fees: $2,891.00
• Program-related expenses: $7,575.00
• Total annual cost: $51,198.30

Students should plan for these extra costs:

• Clinical education travel
• Housing during clinical rotations
• Required immunizations
• CPR certification

Financial Planning Resources

    The university’s Financial Education Program ranks among the top 50 Financial Literacy Programs in USA and provides:

• One-on-one financial counseling sessions
• Workshops on FAFSA completion
• Loan management guidance
• Budgeting assistance
• Credit score building strategies

      The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education’s Professional Student Exchange Program cuts tuition costs for students from:

• Alaska
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Guam
• Hawaii
• Nevada (limited funding)
• Wyoming

Student Life

Each year, 36 full-time graduate students join the program. They gain access to:

• Modern teaching facilities
• Research opportunities
• Professional development activities
• Interprofessional collaborations

       Students graduate with an average debt of $42,793, which stays well below similar programs nationwide. The University of Montana’s complete financial planning resources and strong academic support help international students get quality education at competitive rates.

Western Carolina University ($48,539/year)

Western Carolina University runs its Doctor of Physical Therapy program at two locations – Cullowhee and Biltmore Park. Advanced audio-visual technology connects both sites. Students get equal learning opportunities at both locations, making it a great choice for future physical therapists.

Academic Excellence

The DPT program runs for 33 months and welcomes 48 students each year. Cullowhee hosts 32 students while Biltmore Park takes 16. Students learn through:

• Collaborative work between professions
• Evidence-based practice
• Community participation
• Research activities

         The program’s success shows in its results – a 99% pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination over the last 10 years. Faculty members rotate between locations to maintain education quality, with a small student-to-teacher ratio.

Cost Details

International graduate students should plan for these yearly expenses:

• Out-of-state tuition and fees: $18,595
• Living expenses: $12,854
• Personal expenses: $7,440
• International student fee: $150
• International orientation fee: $130

  The NC Promise Tuition Plan helps undergraduate students with reduced tuition of $2,500 per semester. Graduate assistantships provide around $425 yearly and might include tuition remission.

International Student Benefits

The Office of International Programs and Services helps students with:

• Immigration paperwork
• Cultural integration programs
• Financial planning guidance
• Study Abroad Options

   Students must show proof of funding through the Certificate of Financial Responsibility. Extra funding needs for dependents include:

• Spouse: $5,000
• Each child: $3,000

Campus Facilities

Both locations feature modern facilities:

• 160,000 square-foot Health and Human Sciences building
• Human Movement Science Lab equipped with:

• • 12-camera motion capture system
  • Two force plates
  • Electromyography equipment
  • Pressure mapping carpet

Students have access to specialized resources:

• Large cadaver anatomy lab
• Anatomage tables at both sites
• Balance and Fall Prevention Clinic
• Mountain Area Pro Bono Health Services clinic

        The program works with various clinical sites to give students hands-on experience in hospitals, outpatient centers, and rehabilitation facilities. Faculty members bring expertise from different specializations to provide detailed education in physical therapy sciences.

Langston University ($39,551/year)

      Langston University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program leads the way in physical therapy education as Oklahoma’s first accredited DPT program. The program has managed to keep its legacy of excellence since 2002 by producing skilled healthcare professionals.

Program Features

     The School of Physical Therapy provides detailed education through:

• Small class sizes with tailored faculty advisors
• Innovative clinical simulation labs
• Virtual research facilities
• Experiential learning opportunities

     The program focuses on serving underserved populations and tackles minority health disparities in physical therapy practice. Students develop key skills for shared healthcare delivery through interprofessional education exposure.

Tuition Structure

International students’ annual expenses include:

• First-year tuition: $28,628.10
• Second-year tuition: $24,271.65
• Third-year tuition: $16,803.45

Additional costs include:

• Books and supplies: $2,000
• Room and board: $11,318
• Transportation: $4,000
• Personal expenses: $3,200

International students pay a total program cost of $87,072.41. Students graduate with an average debt of $64,068, but the program’s quality education makes this investment worthwhile.

Financial Support Options

The university offers many financial aid options:

• Program-specific scholarships
• Graduate assistantships
• Emergency financial assistance
• Merit-based awards

        First-time borrowers can get Direct Subsidized Loans if they show financial need. The Financial Aid Office helps with:

• FAFSA completion guidance
• Loan management counseling
• Scholarship application support

               The program remains Oklahoma’s premiere doctoral physical therapy program through innovative facilities, expert faculty, and diverse clinical opportunities. Students learn with modern technology and receive detailed support services that ensure their academic success.

University of Texas Medical Branch ($36,810/year)

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston leads the way in physical therapy education with multiple paths to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Students achieve exceptional results with graduation rates of 96-100% and first-time NPTE pass rates between 80-98%.

Curriculum Overview

The program offers three distinct tracks:

• Residential DPT Program
• PTA-to-DPT Bridge Program
• Hybrid DPT Program

          Students in the residential track need 40 prerequisite credit hours that cover courses in chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and psychology. The hybrid format runs for eight semesters with 96 credit hours and blends online learning with on-campus immersion sessions.

PTA-to-DPT bridge students must meet these requirements:

• Maximum 20 hours weekly work commitment
• Bachelor’s degree completion
• Current PTA license with two years experience
• Four clinical rotations (7-8 weeks each)

Complete Cost Analysis

Each track has different tuition rates:

• Bridge PTA to DPT: $481 per credit hour
• Standard DPT: $527 per credit hour

International students should plan for extra costs:

• F-1 visa application fees
• Passport validation costs
• Insurance requirements
• Travel expenses for clinical rotations

Student Services

UTMB’s support system includes:

• Student Physical Therapy Association (SPTA)
• Pro-bono services at St. Vincent’s Clinic
• Mission trip opportunities
• Research day presentations
• Career networking events

Students benefit from unique learning experiences through:

• Service-learning activities
• Volunteer-based community engagement
• Weekly pro-bono clinic sessions
• Capstone project presentations
• Hospital networking events

Clinical placements happen mostly in Texas, but not in California or Colorado. Students should be ready financially and emotionally to relocate since housing stipends are rare. UTMB’s complete support services and diverse learning opportunities help students get quality education while serving the community.

University of Texas Southwestern ($37,853/year)

     UT Southwestern’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program helps you become a skilled physical therapist through 121 weeks of intensive training. The program combines a complete curriculum with outstanding student outcomes. Students find this program among the most affordable physiotherapy courses in USA.

Program Highlights

      Students experience a perfect blend of theory and hands-on training in this 31-month DPT curriculum. The three-year coursework breaks down as follows:

• First year: $13,033 tuition plus $1,220 institutional fees
• Second year: $13,611 tuition plus $1,220 institutional fees
• Third year: $4,956 tuition plus $933 institutional fees

Students learn in world-class facilities that include:

• Modern equipment at Aston Ambulatory Care Center
• Clinical rotations at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital
• Real patient care experience at Zale Lipshy Pavilion

Financial Requirements

International students should plan for these costs:

• Total tuition: $31,600
• Institutional fees: $3,373
• Program-related expenses: $2,880 (texts, laboratory fees)

The Financial Aid Office provides support through:

• Federal Student Aid programs
• College Board financial assistance
• Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation aid

         Students graduate with an average debt of $48,113. This is a big deal as it means that students pay less compared to other nationwide programs. New international applicants must show English proficiency through:

• TOEFL iBT score: 100 or above
• TOEFL Essentials
• IELTS or DuoLingo

Career Prospects

The program delivers remarkable results:

• 93.2% first-time licensure examination pass rate
• 100% ultimate pass rate
• 100% employment rate within three months

Graduates build successful careers in:

• Hospital care
• Rehabilitation centers
• Pediatric plus senior care
• Sports medicine
• Private practice
• Industrial health

            Strategic collaborations with healthcare facilities give students unmatched clinical experience that prepares them for successful careers. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredits the program, allowing graduates to practice anywhere in the United States.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ($45,152/year)

     The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley launches a new Doctor of Physical Therapy program in June 2025. This program gives international students a chance to pursue affordable physiotherapy education in the USA.

Course Structure

The complete curriculum runs for nine semesters over three years with 113 semester credit hours. Students learn through:

• Clinical foundations in musculoskeletal disorders
• Advanced therapeutic interventions
• Research-based practice methodologies
• Spanish medical terminology training

            Students participate in multiple clinical rotations and work on original research projects with cooperative teams. The program blends classroom learning with hands-on experience to treat patients who have musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and multisystem disorders.

Cost Breakdown

International students’ yearly costs include:

• First-year tuition: $34,344.80
• Second-year tuition: $32,244.80
• Third-year tuition: $15,614.00
• Institutional fees: $5,962.40
• Program-related expenses: $3,570.00

International students pay a total program cost of $92,612.66. The university’s tuition refund policy works as follows:

• 100% before classes begin
• 80% within first five class days
• 70% during second five-day period
• 50% during third five-day period

Student Resources

The Office of International Student Services provides support through:

• International admissions guidance
• Cultural integration programs
• Governmental agency liaison services
• Community connection initiatives

International applicants must meet these requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• English proficiency through TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS
• Three recommendation letters
• 50 observation hours in two practice settings

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredits this program, which qualifies graduates to take licensure examinations anywhere in the country. Expert faculty mentors and modern facilities help students develop the skills needed for successful physical therapy careers.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

                These 11 physical therapy programs are excellent choices for international students who want quality education at reasonable costs. The University of Texas Medical Branch offers programs starting at $36,810, while Texas Woman’s University programs cost $54,731. Each program delivers great value through complete curricula and hands-on clinical training.

            The programs show their excellence through impressive results. Students achieve 95-100% first-time pass rates on the National Physical Therapy Examination. Most graduates find jobs within months after graduation. Student debt stays manageable between $30,319 and $64,068, which is by a lot lower than other U.S. physical therapy programs.

               These universities have built resilient infrastructure to support international students. They help with immigration, cultural integration, and financial planning. Students can also tap into the potential of multiple scholarships and graduate assistantships to lower their educational costs.

              Any of these programs will set you up for success in physical therapy. Professionals in this field earn median salaries of $85,620, and top earners can make up to $155,000 yearly. Look beyond just tuition costs when you make your choice. Think about clinical training opportunities, faculty expertise, and your location priorities to find the program that fits you best.