Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree in Denver, CO — Salary & ROI 2026
Physical Therapy (DPT) degree analysis for Denver, CO. 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 Denver
Cost of Living
128
index (100 = avg)
Physical Therapy (DPT) in Denver, CO Overview
Denver is one of Colorado's top college towns, with 31 institutions and a student population of 74,098. Public tuition averages $11,380/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 Denver is approximately $0.
Category
Healthcare
Local Colleges
31
Public Tuition
$11,380/yr
Private Tuition
$49,039/yr
Room & Board
$14,960/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$8,823/yr
Unemployment
5.8%
Graduation Rate
65%
Physical Therapy (DPT) Salary in Denver (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Denver's cost of living index of 128 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Physical Therapy (DPT) salary: $0 starting, $0 mid-career, $0 senior level.Denver adjustment factor: 1.28x based on the local cost of living index.
Physical Therapy (DPT) ROI Calculator for Denver
Estimate your return on investment for a Physical Therapy (DPT) degree using local Denver tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $11,380 | Private avg: $49,039
Denver avg aid: $8,823/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$105,360
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$-44,800
vs HS diploma in Denver
ROI Payback Period
N/A
to break even
Lifetime Return in Denver
$-105,360
Lifetime earnings premium ($0) minus total education cost ($105,360)
Student Loan Payoff for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Denver
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Denver for Physical Therapy (DPT)
University of Colorado Denver
public
$11,380/yr
$45,520 total
University of Denver
private
$56,268/yr
$225,072 total
Regis University
private
$41,810/yr
$167,240 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Community College of Denver
$4,419/yr
Top Employers for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Denver
Denver offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Denver Hiring Sectors for Healthcare
Hospitals
Medical centers
Private practices
Health systems
Pharma companies
Common Physical Therapy (DPT) Job Titles
Physical Therapy (DPT) in Nearby Colorado Cities
Colorado Springs, CO
$0 starting · COL 122
22 colleges
Aurora, CO
$0 starting · COL 111
28 colleges
Fort Collins, CO
$0 starting · COL 126
5 colleges
Lakewood, CO
$0 starting · COL 105.8
6 colleges
Thornton, CO
$0 starting · COL 102.5
6 colleges
Arvada, CO
$0 starting · COL 105.5
5 colleges
Westminster, CO
$0 starting · COL 103.8
5 colleges
Pueblo, CO
$0 starting · COL 122
13 colleges
Other Healthcare Majors in Denver
Pharmacy
$64K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Health Informatics
$64K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Nursing
$87K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Healthcare Administration
$64K starting · 4 yr ROI
Occupational Therapy
$64K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Dental Hygiene
$64K starting · 3 yr ROI
Speech-Language Pathology
$64K starting · 4.2 yr ROI
Public Health
$64K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Physical Therapy (DPT) degree outcomes in Denver, CO: 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 Colorado.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Denver 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 Denver Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Colorado 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 — Colorado programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "colorado 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 Denver — 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 Denver.