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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools in the Southeast Region

61 Colleges in the United States
2,920 Physical Therapy/Therapist Degrees Awarded
$67,933 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 78 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best physical therapy/therapist schools.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Physical Therapy/Therapist in the Southeast Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall physical therapy/therapist education in the Southeast Region.

Top Schools in Physical Therapy/Therapist

1
Duke University crest
Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in physical therapy/therapist. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Durham. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. There were roughly 94 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Duke University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from Duke University generally make around $68,778. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete this degree. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Duke University

2
Samford University crest
Samford University
Birmingham, AL

Samford University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in physical therapy/therapist, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Birmingham, Samford University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 36 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Samford University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Samford University earn around $74,311 in the first couple years of their career. Samford University graduates carry a median of $21,039 in student loans. See the full physical therapy/therapist program report for Samford University

3
Belmont University crest
Belmont University
Nashville, TN

Belmont University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Located in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 58 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Belmont University in the most recent year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Belmont University earn a median of $73,552 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,447. Get the full physical therapy/therapist details for Belmont University

4

The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Located in the city of Memphis, The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center is a mid-sized public university. The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center awarded about 61 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center earn a median of $71,678 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,679 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center

5
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

A rank of #5 makes University Of Florida one of the top schools for physical therapy/therapist. This very large public university is located in the city of Gainesville. University Of Florida graduates 91% of students within six years. University Of Florida awarded about 71 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the physical therapy/therapist program make about $74,189 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete this degree. Get the full physical therapy/therapist details for University Of Florida

6
Bellarmine University crest
Bellarmine University
Louisville, KY

Bellarmine University came in at #6 for physical therapy/therapist this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Louisville. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. Bellarmine University awarded about 74 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Bellarmine University earn around $73,964 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,766 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Bellarmine University

7
High Point University crest
High Point University
High Point, NC

High Point University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of High Point, High Point University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. High Point University graduates 72% of students within six years. About 64 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at High Point University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from High Point University generally make around $113,352. High Point University graduates carry a median of $23,785 in student loans. Get the full physical therapy/therapist details for High Point University

8
Marymount University crest
Marymount University
Arlington, VA

Marymount University placed #8 among the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Located in the city of Arlington, Marymount University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. Marymount University awarded about 36 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Marymount University earn a median of $76,183 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,880 to complete this degree. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Marymount University

9
University Of Miami crest
University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami earned the #9 position for physical therapy/therapist this year. Located in the suburb of Coral Gables, University Of Miami is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. There were roughly 56 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at University Of Miami in the most recent data year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of University Of Miami earn a median of $73,125 early in their careers. University Of Miami graduates carry a median of $17,750 in student loans. See the full physical therapy/therapist program report for University Of Miami

10
Wingate University crest
Wingate University
Wingate, NC

Wingate University came in at #10 for physical therapy/therapist this year. Set in the suburb of Wingate, Wingate University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Wingate University graduates 46% of students within six years. About 35 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Wingate University in the most recent year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Wingate University earn around $73,520 in the first couple years of their career. Wingate University graduates carry a median of $25,556 in student loans. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Wingate University

11
Emory University crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Emory University landed the #11 spot for physical therapy/therapist this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Atlanta. Emory University graduates 91% of students within six years. About 63 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Emory University in the most recent year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Emory University earn a median of $71,789 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $19,431. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Emory University

12
Shenandoah University crest
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA

Shenandoah University earned the #12 position for physical therapy/therapist this year. Located in the city of Winchester, Shenandoah University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. About 70 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Shenandoah University in the most recent year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Shenandoah University earn a median of $73,888 early in their careers. Shenandoah University graduates carry a median of $26,005 in student loans. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Shenandoah University

13

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #13 spot for physical therapy/therapist this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Chapel Hill. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill graduates 91% of students within six years. There were roughly 29 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill in the most recent data year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $58,000 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete this degree. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

14

Old Dominion University landed the #14 spot for physical therapy/therapist this year. Old Dominion University is a very large public school located in the city of Norfolk. About 46% of students finish within six years. Old Dominion University awarded about 42 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the physical therapy/therapist program make about $75,387 in their early career. Old Dominion University graduates carry a median of $26,001 in student loans. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Old Dominion University

15

Lincoln Memorial University placed #15 among the best physical therapy/therapist schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Harrogate. The six-year graduation rate is 47%. About 55 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Lincoln Memorial University in the most recent year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Lincoln Memorial University earn around $64,307 in the first couple years of their career. Lincoln Memorial University graduates carry a median of $20,693 in student loans. See the full physical therapy/therapist program report for Lincoln Memorial University

16

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans landed the #16 spot for physical therapy/therapist this year. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans is a mid-sized public school located in the city of New Orleans. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans awarded about 32 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the physical therapy/therapist program make about $69,715 in their early career. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans graduates carry a median of $31,146 in student loans. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans

17

University Of North Florida came in at #17 for physical therapy/therapist this year. This large public university is located in the city of Jacksonville. About 65% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 28 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at University Of North Florida in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from University Of North Florida generally make around $75,760. University Of North Florida graduates carry a median of $18,523 in student loans. Get the full physical therapy/therapist details for University Of North Florida

18

University Of Alabama At Birmingham placed #18 among the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of Birmingham, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a very large public institution. University Of Alabama At Birmingham graduates 64% of students within six years. About 52 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at University Of Alabama At Birmingham in the most recent year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of University Of Alabama At Birmingham earn a median of $72,211 early in their careers. University Of Alabama At Birmingham graduates carry a median of $26,162 in student loans. Get the full physical therapy/therapist details for University Of Alabama At Birmingham

19

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga came in at #19 for physical therapy/therapist this year. Set in the city of Chattanooga, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 50%. About 32 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga generally make around $72,301. Students borrow a median of $23,324 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga

20

Florida International University earned the #20 position for physical therapy/therapist this year. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. Florida International University awarded about 59 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Florida International University earn a median of $63,249 early in their careers. Florida International University graduates carry a median of $19,349 in student loans. See the full physical therapy/therapist program report for Florida International University

21
Lynchburg College crest
Lynchburg College
Lynchburg, VA

Lynchburg College earned the #21 position for physical therapy/therapist this year. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Lynchburg College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Lynchburg College graduates 57% of students within six years. About 49 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Lynchburg College in the most recent year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Lynchburg College earn around $107,159 in the first couple years of their career. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Lynchburg College

22

Mercer University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of Macon, Mercer University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. Mercer University awarded about 37 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the physical therapy/therapist program make about $74,161 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $32,463 to complete this degree. Get the full physical therapy/therapist details for Mercer University

23
Nova Southeastern University crest
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nova Southeastern University landed the #23 spot for physical therapy/therapist this year. Located in the suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 63% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 86 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Nova Southeastern University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Nova Southeastern University earn around $69,851 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,021 to complete this degree. See the full physical therapy/therapist program report for Nova Southeastern University

24

Florida Southern College came in at #24 for physical therapy/therapist this year. Located in the city of Lakeland, Florida Southern College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. About 70% of students finish within six years. Florida Southern College awarded about 35 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Florida Southern College earn around $48,665 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,357. Get the full physical therapy/therapist details for Florida Southern College

25

University Of South Carolina Columbia ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 24 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at University Of South Carolina Columbia in the most recent year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from University Of South Carolina Columbia earn around $73,174 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,472 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from University Of South Carolina Columbia

Rest of the Top 50 Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong physical therapy/therapist education:

26
Radford University crest
Radford University
Radford, VA
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
Augusta University crest
Augusta University
Augusta, GA
38
39
40
41
South College crest
South College
Knoxville, TN
42
43
44
45
46
47
Campbell University crest
Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC
48
49
50

Honorable Mentions

Also worth considering for physical therapy/therapist:

ADBLOCK #173
View All Physical Therapy/Therapist Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 78 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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