2026 Best Value Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools in North Carolina

1

Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC

Leading the list is Western Carolina University, our #1 best value for physical therapy/therapist in North Carolina. Western Carolina University is a large public school located in the town of Cullowhee. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for physical therapy/therapist graduates is $24,000. Early-career physical therapy/therapist graduates make about $54,814. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants.

2

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

A rank of #2 makes University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill one of the best values for physical therapy/therapist. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $58,000. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 15%.

3

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC

East Carolina University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical therapy/therapist, landing the #3 spot this year. East Carolina University is a very large public school located in the city of Greenville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the physical therapy/therapist program here. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of East Carolina University earn a median of $56,764 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants.

4

Winston Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Winston Salem State University earned it the #4 place for physical therapy/therapist. Set in the city of Winston-Salem, Winston Salem State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,126, with out-of-state students paying around $16,782. Typical student debt for physical therapy/therapist graduates is $28,000. Early-career physical therapy/therapist graduates make about $58,227. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winston Salem State University admits about 78% of applicants.

5

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
Wilmington, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earned it the #5 place for physical therapy/therapist. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public school located in the city of Wilmington. Students from in state pay about $7,277 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,152 for out-of-state students. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career physical therapy/therapist graduates make about $46,164. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington admits about 64% of applicants.

6

Wingate University
Wingate, NC

Wingate University earned the #6 position for value in physical therapy/therapist this year. Located in the suburb of Wingate, Wingate University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,576. Students borrow a median of $25,556 to complete the physical therapy/therapist program here. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Wingate University earn a median of $73,520 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,556 median debt. Wingate University admits about 91% of applicants.

7

Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC

Campbell University came in at #7 for value in physical therapy/therapist this year. Campbell University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Buies Creek. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,600. Students borrow a median of $23,641 to complete the physical therapy/therapist program here. Early-career physical therapy/therapist graduates make about $75,561. That is a strong return on a $23,641 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

8

Methodist University
Fayetteville, NC

Methodist University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value physical therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of Fayetteville, Methodist University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,250. Typical student debt for physical therapy/therapist graduates is $27,604. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Methodist University earn a median of $73,105 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%.

9

Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value physical therapy/therapist schools. Duke University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Durham. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Typical student debt for physical therapy/therapist graduates is $13,296. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from Duke University generally make around $68,778. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 6%.

10

High Point University
High Point, NC

High Point University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value physical therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of High Point, High Point University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,312. Typical student debt for physical therapy/therapist graduates is $23,785. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from High Point University generally make around $113,352. Set against $23,785 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%.

11

Elon University
Elon, NC

Elon University placed #11 among the best values for physical therapy/therapist. Located in the suburb of Elon, Elon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $46,958 in tuition and fees. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $21,619 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from Elon University generally make around $74,620. That is a strong return on a $21,619 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.