If you are seriously considering a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program to become a physical therapist (PT), consider how you will fund your DPT.
Between studying life sciences like anatomy and more advanced subjects as well as completing hands-on training experiences, your plate will be full while you pursue your doctorate.
That’s why planning out the financial side of your education before you start is essential. This guide will take a close look at the various funding and DPT scholarships available to you as you prepare and apply for DPT programs.
What To Know About Funding Your DPT
Although you may be able to take classes in a hybrid format or enroll as a part-time student and study for longer, you likely won’t be able to work full-time while pursuing your degree. Exploring all the different funding options available to you as a potential DPT student is crucial.
When it comes to funding your DPT, there are several different types of DPT school scholarships available. Scholarships are usually awarded based on merit or need. Outside of merit-based and need-based scholarships, you may be eligible to apply for diversity, service or specialty DPT scholarships and grants.
Scholarship Types at a Glance
With so many different types of scholarships for DPT students available, it can be difficult to determine which type you are eligible for. This section provides an overview of available scholarships to help narrow down your search for DPT funding.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded by the university to students who have a proven track record of academic excellence. To determine a student’s eligibility for a merit-based scholarship, the university will likely consider their undergraduate GPA, leadership experience and educational achievements. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers merit-based scholarships for DPT students.
Need-Based Scholarships
Along with merit-based scholarships, need-based DPT school scholarships are the other type of financial assistance most often awarded to DPT students.
To apply for need-based aid, students are often required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).1 This form helps the government determine your eligibility for federal student financial aid, including grants or loans.
Service or Commitment Scholarships
In some cases, service or commitment-based scholarships may be given with the expectation that the student will serve a specific population for a specified period after graduation.2
You may also want to consider professional or association-based scholarships as you look for funding for your DPT. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) offers several national scholarships available to applicants from all over the United States.3
Employer Funding
If you are currently working in physical therapy or a related field, you can also consider employer funding options.
In many cases, employers will offer tuition assistance or stipends with the expectation that you will continue working for them once you have obtained your degree.4 Applicants who have served in the military should research higher education assistance opportunities such as the Tuition Assistance (TA) Program and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which are available to veterans.
Where to Find DPT Scholarships
When searching for DPT scholarships and grants, there are several different places you can apply. Start by researching the scholarships available at the university you are applying to.
Usually, you’ll find information about the available funding on the program page or on the financial aid page. To get an in-depth understanding of the scholarships, you can always reach out directly to the financial aid office.
Outside of the university, APTA is one of the biggest organizations that provides scholarships specifically for physical therapy students. Applying for APTA scholarships or scholarships offered by other professional organizations is a great way to seek funding beyond your university.
How to Budget for DPT Beyond Scholarships
Although pursuing scholarships is one way to fund your DPT, you’ll likely need to come up with a multi-faceted plan to cover the full cost of tuition. Beyond scholarships, you can apply for loans or work-study from the federal or state government or from the institution itself.
Students have the option to compare federal loan rates for borrowing with private lending rates. We encourage you to research to find the best option in funding your education. When it comes to taking on loans, look first at what the federal government offers before seeking private loans. Comparing terms can be a helpful way to guarantee that you are getting the best rates possible.
To cover all the expenses you’ll have outside of tuition, such as housing, books, transportation and fees, it’s helpful to create a cost control plan. Making a budget and sticking to it can help students avoid overspending.
How Do You Become Eligible for DPT Scholarships?
The eligibility for DPT scholarships varies slightly for each scholarship, but there are a few requirements that you will see across the board. Scholarships typically require a minimum undergraduate GPA. They may also require you to maintain a certain GPA throughout the program to keep your funding.
Depending on the type of scholarship and its level of competitiveness, it may also have specific prerequisites that are used to limit the applicant pool.
USAHS Support and Resources
At the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), there are two scholarships available exclusively for physical therapy students. The first is the PT Dean’s Scholar award, which is granted to applicants with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.75 or above. This scholarship awards up to $25,000 over the entire program and is automatically awarded if you meet the requirements.
Another one of the scholarships for DPT students is the PT Outstanding Academic Achievement award, which provides up to $15,000* of funding over the entire program. Similar to the PT Dean’s Scholar award, you will automatically be given this scholarship if you have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above.
Along with these scholarships, USAHS offers student loans to help you fund your DPT program. To learn more about the options available to you at USAHS, reach out to a financial aid officer by email, phone or on campus.
The Bottom Line
Although enrolling in a DPT program is a significant financial decision, there are several scholarships for DPT students available to help you fund your doctoral studies.
From university scholarships to awards given by professional institutions, with research and prior preparation, there are various ways to potentially secure funding for a DPT program. If you are ready for the next step of your journey, connect with our financial aid team so we can help you find DPT school scholarships, meet deadlines and start your program with confidence.
FAQs
When should I start applying for DPT scholarships?
As soon as you finish your application to the program, you should begin applying for DPT scholarships and grants. The peak season to apply for scholarships is from January to May; keep in mind that you may need to prepare application materials several months in advance. Some of the scholarships at USAHS are auto awarded based on your undergraduate cumulative GPA.
Can I stack multiple awards?
You may be able to stack multiple awards to receive the most funding for your DPT program. If you have questions about whether a program accepts specific awards, reach out directly to the financial aid office to confirm.
Do scholarships affect my financial aid package?
Whether or not scholarships affect your financial aid package depends on the specific program and institution. That said, most universities may require you to notify them of any external awards so that they can take them into account when preparing your financial aid package.
References:
- “Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) Form,” Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education, https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
- “Community Service Scholarships,” Scholarships.com, November 2, 2025, https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/community-service-scholarships.
- “Scholarships and Awards for Students,” American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 2025, https://www.apta.org/for-students/scholarships-awards.
- “Educational Benefits in Employment: What Employers and Employees Should Know,” Masoom Law Firm, https://www.masoomlaw.com/news/educational-benefits-in-employment-what-employers-and-employees-should-know.
*Scholarship range for the Miami campus is $1,000-$25,000
