2026 Best Value Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools in Tennessee

1

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN

For return on investment in physical therapy/therapist, no school beat The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga this year. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a large public school located in the city of Chattanooga. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,448, while out-of-state students pay about $18,512. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $23,324 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga generally make around $72,301. Set against $23,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.

2

Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Tennessee State University earned it the #2 place for physical therapy/therapist. Tennessee State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Nashville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $22,416. Typical student debt for physical therapy/therapist graduates is $29,489. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Tennessee State University earn a median of $67,436 early in their careers. Set against $29,489 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

3

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value physical therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of Johnson City, East Tennessee State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,216, while out-of-state students pay about $13,726. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $21,301 in student loans. Early-career physical therapy/therapist graduates make about $73,616. Set against $21,301 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

4

South College
Knoxville, TN

Students looking for strong value in physical therapy/therapist will find it at South College, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Knoxville, South College is a large private for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,535. Typical student debt for physical therapy/therapist graduates is $24,533. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of South College earn a median of $51,389 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,533 median debt.

5

Lincoln Memorial University
Harrogate, TN

Students looking for strong value in physical therapy/therapist will find it at Lincoln Memorial University, which ranked #5. Set in the town of Harrogate, Lincoln Memorial University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,938. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates carry a median of $20,693 in student loans. Early-career physical therapy/therapist graduates make about $64,307. That is a strong return on a $20,693 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.

6

Belmont University
Nashville, TN

Belmont University came in at #6 for value in physical therapy/therapist this year. Located in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,540. Typical student debt for physical therapy/therapist graduates is $23,447. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Belmont University earn a median of $73,552 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,447 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.