Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree in Austin, TX — Salary & ROI 2026
Physical Therapy (DPT) degree analysis for Austin, TX. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$0
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$0
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
N/A
in Austin
Cost of Living
107
index (100 = avg)
Physical Therapy (DPT) in Austin, TX Overview
Austin is one of Texas's top college towns, with 30 institutions and a student population of 206,177. Public tuition averages $11,448/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Physical Therapy (DPT) enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in . The adjusted starting salary in Austin is approximately $0.
Category
Healthcare
Local Colleges
30
Public Tuition
$11,448/yr
Private Tuition
$31,126/yr
Room & Board
$12,563/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$11,991/yr
Unemployment
5.8%
Graduation Rate
58%
Physical Therapy (DPT) Salary in Austin (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Austin's cost of living index of 107 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Physical Therapy (DPT) salary: $0 starting, $0 mid-career, $0 senior level.Austin adjustment factor: 1.07x based on the local cost of living index.
Physical Therapy (DPT) ROI Calculator for Austin
Estimate your return on investment for a Physical Therapy (DPT) degree using local Austin tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $11,448 | Private avg: $31,126
Austin avg aid: $11,991/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$96,044
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$-37,450
vs HS diploma in Austin
ROI Payback Period
N/A
to break even
Lifetime Return in Austin
$-96,044
Lifetime earnings premium ($0) minus total education cost ($96,044)
Student Loan Payoff for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Austin
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Austin for Physical Therapy (DPT)
University of Texas at Austin
public
$11,448/yr
$45,792 total
St. Edward's University
private
$46,872/yr
$187,488 total
Huston-Tillotson University
private
$15,380/yr
$61,520 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Austin Community College
$2,640/yr
Top Employers for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Austin
Austin offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Austin Hiring Sectors for Healthcare
Hospitals
Medical centers
Private practices
Health systems
Pharma companies
Common Physical Therapy (DPT) Job Titles
Physical Therapy (DPT) in Nearby Texas Cities
Houston, TX
$0 starting · COL 115
90 colleges
San Antonio, TX
$0 starting · COL 120
58 colleges
Dallas, TX
$0 starting · COL 104
82 colleges
Fort Worth, TX
$0 starting · COL 101
19 colleges
El Paso, TX
$0 starting · COL 93
38 colleges
Arlington, TX
$0 starting · COL 93.5
14 colleges
Corpus Christi, TX
$0 starting · COL 82
22 colleges
Plano, TX
$0 starting · COL 85
9 colleges
Other Healthcare Majors in Austin
Pharmacy
$54K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Health Informatics
$54K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Nursing
$73K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Healthcare Administration
$54K starting · 4 yr ROI
Occupational Therapy
$54K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Dental Hygiene
$54K starting · 3 yr ROI
Speech-Language Pathology
$54K starting · 4.2 yr ROI
Public Health
$54K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Physical Therapy (DPT) degree outcomes in Austin, TX: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Physical Therapy (DPT) programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Texas.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Austin using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Physical Therapy (DPT) career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Physical Therapy (DPT) grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Austin Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Texas students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Texas programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "texas higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree in Austin — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Physical Therapy (DPT) ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Austin.