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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools

224 Colleges in the United States
13,250 Physical Therapy/Therapist Degrees Awarded
$68,665 Avg Early-Career Salary

Physical Therapy/Therapist is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 293 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best physical therapy/therapist schools.

What’s on this page:

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Choosing a Great Physical Therapy/Therapist School

Best Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools

The school you choose for physical therapy/therapist can shape your career. That is why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Physical Therapy/Therapist rankings. Our overall ranking combines our degree-level rankings, weighted by degrees awarded at each level.

To find the best fit, you can narrow this list to a specific degree level below.

Physical Therapy/Therapist Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Physical Therapy/Therapist
Bachelor's Degrees in Physical Therapy/Therapist
Master's Degrees in Physical Therapy/Therapist
Doctoral Degrees in Physical Therapy/Therapist

We offer several rankings, including this Best Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools list, to help you decide. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

Read more about College Factual’s methodology

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Best Schools for Physical Therapy/Therapist in the United States

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the physical therapy/therapist degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Physical Therapy/Therapist

1
Duke University crest
Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University tops our 2026 ranking of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Durham. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. Duke University awarded about 94 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Duke University earn around $68,778 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,296. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Duke University

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of Delaware one of the top schools for physical therapy/therapist. University Of Delaware is a very large public school located in the suburb of Newark. About 82% of students finish within six years. University Of Delaware awarded about 57 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from University Of Delaware earn around $74,036 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,861. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from University Of Delaware

3

University Of Southern California came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. About 152 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at University Of Southern California in the most recent year. Graduates of the physical therapy/therapist program make about $77,049 in their early career. University Of Southern California graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from University Of Southern California

4

A rank of #4 makes Columbia University In The City Of New York one of the top schools for physical therapy/therapist. Set in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Columbia University In The City Of New York graduates 96% of students within six years. About 71 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Columbia University In The City Of New York in the most recent year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Columbia University In The City Of New York earn around $81,165 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,258. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Columbia University In The City Of New York

5
New York University crest
New York University
New York, NY

Students looking for a strong physical therapy/therapist program will find one at New York University, which ranked #5. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of New York. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 46 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at New York University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the physical therapy/therapist program make about $74,409 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,897. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from New York University

6

The University Of Texas Medical Branch earned the #6 position for physical therapy/therapist this year. Set in the city of Galveston, The University Of Texas Medical Branch is a mid-sized public institution. About 110 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at The University Of Texas Medical Branch in the most recent year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from The University Of Texas Medical Branch earn around $78,929 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete this degree. See the full physical therapy/therapist program report for The University Of Texas Medical Branch

7

Mgh Institute Of Health Professions earned the #7 position for physical therapy/therapist this year. Set in the city of Boston, Mgh Institute Of Health Professions is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Mgh Institute Of Health Professions awarded about 63 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Mgh Institute Of Health Professions earn around $92,927 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $32,000. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Mgh Institute Of Health Professions

8

Midwestern University Downers Grove earned the #8 position for physical therapy/therapist this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Downers Grove. About 46 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Midwestern University Downers Grove in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from Midwestern University Downers Grove generally make around $76,040. See the full physical therapy/therapist program report for Midwestern University Downers Grove

9

San Francisco State University landed the #9 spot for physical therapy/therapist this year. San Francisco State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Francisco. San Francisco State University graduates 50% of students within six years. San Francisco State University awarded about 94 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of San Francisco State University earn a median of $85,961 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $17,024. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from San Francisco State University

10
Loma Linda University crest
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA

Loma Linda University earned the #10 position for physical therapy/therapist this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Loma Linda. About 80 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Loma Linda University in the most recent year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Loma Linda University earn around $78,518 in the first couple years of their career. Loma Linda University graduates carry a median of $25,094 in student loans. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Loma Linda University

11

University Of Dayton landed the #11 spot for physical therapy/therapist this year. Located in the city of Dayton, University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 34 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at University Of Dayton in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from University Of Dayton earn around $71,505 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Dayton graduates carry a median of $25,033 in student loans. Get the full physical therapy/therapist details for University Of Dayton

12

Northwestern University came in at #12 for physical therapy/therapist this year. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. About 87 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Northwestern University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $60,280. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete this degree. See the full physical therapy/therapist program report for Northwestern University

13
Rockhurst University crest
Rockhurst University
Kansas City, MO

Rockhurst University came in at #13 for physical therapy/therapist this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Kansas City. About 74% of students finish within six years. Rockhurst University awarded about 49 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the physical therapy/therapist program make about $71,272 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,111. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Rockhurst University

14

Quinnipiac University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Located in the suburb of Hamden, Quinnipiac University is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. There were roughly 59 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Quinnipiac University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the physical therapy/therapist program make about $75,861 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,926. Get the full physical therapy/therapist details for Quinnipiac University

15

University Of The Pacific landed the #15 spot for physical therapy/therapist this year. Set in the city of Stockton, University Of The Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. University Of The Pacific awarded about 38 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from University Of The Pacific earn around $88,755 in the first couple years of their career. University Of The Pacific graduates carry a median of $23,514 in student loans. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from University Of The Pacific

16
Tufts University crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA

Tufts University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Medford. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 81 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Tufts University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Tufts University earn around $69,543 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $17,074. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Tufts University

17

Sacred Heart University placed #17 among the best physical therapy/therapist schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Fairfield. About 74% of students finish within six years. Sacred Heart University awarded about 78 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from Sacred Heart University generally make around $75,757. Typical student debt for the program is $25,831. See the full physical therapy/therapist program report for Sacred Heart University

18

Northeastern University came in at #18 for physical therapy/therapist this year. Set in the city of Boston, Northeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. About 87 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Northeastern University in the most recent year. Graduates of the physical therapy/therapist program make about $76,009 in their early career. Northeastern University graduates carry a median of $28,125 in student loans. Get the full physical therapy/therapist details for Northeastern University

19
Bellin College crest
Bellin College
Green Bay, WI

Bellin College landed the #19 spot for physical therapy/therapist this year. Set in the suburb of Green Bay, Bellin College is a small private not-for-profit institution. About 63% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 25 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Bellin College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from Bellin College generally make around $76,907. Students borrow a median of $24,794 to complete this degree. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Bellin College

20

California State University Long Beach earned the #20 position for physical therapy/therapist this year. Set in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 40 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at California State University Long Beach in the most recent data year. Graduates of the physical therapy/therapist program make about $83,234 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $15,671. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from California State University Long Beach

21

Northern Arizona University came in at #21 for physical therapy/therapist this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Flagstaff. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. About 93 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Northern Arizona University in the most recent year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $76,945 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,645. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Northern Arizona University

22

Samuel Merritt University landed the #22 spot for physical therapy/therapist this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Oakland. There were roughly 41 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Samuel Merritt University in the most recent data year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Samuel Merritt University earn a median of $86,688 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete this degree. Get the full physical therapy/therapist details for Samuel Merritt University

23
University Of Mary crest
University Of Mary
Bismarck, ND

University Of Mary ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Set in the rural area of Bismarck, University Of Mary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. University Of Mary awarded about 38 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the physical therapy/therapist program make about $62,378 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,983. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from University Of Mary

24

Widener University Main Campus landed the #24 spot for physical therapy/therapist this year. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Chester. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 32 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Widener University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Widener University Main Campus earn around $76,073 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,561. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Widener University Main Campus

25

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center earned the #25 position for physical therapy/therapist this year. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Lubbock. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center awarded about 66 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center earn around $75,525 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,889 to complete this degree. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Rest of the Top 50 Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools

These schools also placed among the best for physical therapy/therapist this year:

26
27
Samford University crest
Samford University
Birmingham, AL
28
29
Boston University crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
30
31
32
Pacific University crest
Pacific University
Forest Grove, OR
33
34
35
36
Belmont University crest
Belmont University
Nashville, TN
37
University Of Kansas crest
University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
38
39
40
41
Regis University crest
Regis University
Denver, CO
42
Stony Brook University crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL
50

Additional Physical Therapy/Therapist Award Winners

The following schools placed in the top tier for physical therapy/therapist:

Rank School Location
#57 University Of Scranton Scranton, PA
#60 Arcadia University Glenside, PA
#62 Drexel University Philadelphia, PA
#67 University Of Wisconsin Madison Madison, WI
#68 Saint Josephs University Philadelphia, PA
#71 Saint Louis University Main Campus Saint Louis, MO
#73 Temple University Philadelphia, PA
#74 University Of Miami Coral Gables, FL
#77 Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PA
#79 George Washington University Washington, DC
#86 Shenandoah University Winchester, VA
#91 Marquette University Milwaukee, WI
#95 Mayo Medical School Rochester, MN
#99 Ohio State University Main Campus Columbus, OH
#111 Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN
#116 Creighton University Omaha, NE
#118 Mount St Marys College Los Angeles, CA
#129 Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL
#136 Medical University Of South Carolina Charleston, SC
#138 Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA
#139 University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City, OK

Honorable Mentions

These schools earned honorable mentions for physical therapy/therapist:

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Physical Therapy/Therapist by Region

Explore the best physical therapy/therapist schools by region.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

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Physical Therapy/Therapist is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 293 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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