Physical Therapy Program Cost and Financial Aid

*Estimated Costs

Financial Aid

Need-based aid in the form of grants, loans, work-study, and other funding is available to those who demonstrate financial need. For more information, visit the Financial Aid Office.

The following sources of financial aid are available to physical therapy students, though not all students will receive all types:

Professional Program Grants

These are non-renewable awards offered to selected first-year students based on academic merit and need. The award amounts vary.

Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) funds

These funds are available to selected students from Alaska, Hawai‘i, Nevada, and Wyoming who have applied for funding from their state. For more information, contact:

WICHE Student Exchange Program
P.O. Drawer P, Boulder, CO, 80302
303-541-0214 | info-sep@wiche.edu
www.wiche.edu

Federal Work-Study

This need-based financial aid program allows eligible students to work on campus or in the community. Indicate your interest when filling out your FAFSA. The FAFSA must be processed by March 1 in order to receive work-study.

Federal Direct Loans

Two kinds of federal loans are available to doctor of physical therapy students: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans. DPT students can borrow up to $20,500 in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans each year. Interest on these loans will begin accruing at a fixed rate of 5.284 percent when the loans are disbursed. (Please note: Federal Direct Subsidized Loans for graduate students were discontinued as of June 30, 2012). DPT students can also apply for credit-based Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans for up to the annual cost of attendance minus other financial aid received. These loans will begin accruing interest at a fixed rate of 6.284 percent upon disbursement.

Alternative Loans

These loans are offered by private lenders to credit-worthy applicants to help cover educational expenses. Lenders have varying credit approval criteria that applicants must meet. These loans may have variable or fixed interest rates. Interest will begin accruing upon disbursement. DPT students should consider federal loans before applying for alternative loans since federal loan repayment options may be superior.

International Students

Pacific University is a private institution, so all students pay the same tuition rate. In general, international students are not eligible for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) unless they meet the criteria posted on the U.S. Department of Education’s Web site at fafsa.gov.  In order to receive permission to enter the United States as an international student, you will need to show proof that you have enough money to pay for at least the first-year cost of attendance and to support yourself and any family members that accompany you. Proof of funds can be obtained with a letter from your local bank stating your account balance or line of credit. If you accept your offer of admission, the Office of International Programs will contact you in the spring with the amount that you will have to show to receive your I-20.

Outside Scholarships and Resources

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): https://www.apta.org/for-students/scholarships-awards
APTA Geriatrics Honors and Awards: https://geriatricspt.org/awards/
AMBUCS: https://ambucs.org/therapists/scholarship-program/ 
AAMC: https://services.aamc.org/fed_loan_pub/index.cfm?fuseaction=public.welcome&CFID=7134046&CFTOKEN=2fe95fe-c0392a96-30a6-4a6d-8454-7f43cc98b7ab  
National Health Service Corps (NHSC): https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/
Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC): https://oregonstudentaid.gov/ 
Daughters of American Revolution PT: https://www.dar.org/national-society/scholarships/nursing-medical-scholarships
Indian Health Services: https://www.ihs.gov/scholarship/
Veteran Affairs: https://www.vacareers.va.gov/Benefits/EducationSupport#scholarships
Scholarships.com: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/academic-major/physical-therapy-rehabilitation
Fastweb: https://www.fastweb.com/
Top Degrees: https://www.topdegreesonline.org/scholarships/physical-therapy/