Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree in Fort Wayne, IN — Salary & ROI 2026
Physical Therapy (DPT) degree analysis for Fort Wayne, IN. 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 Fort Wayne
Cost of Living
103
index (100 = avg)
Physical Therapy (DPT) in Fort Wayne, IN Overview
Fort Wayne is one of Indiana's top college towns, with 24 institutions and a student population of 17,119. Public tuition averages $8,380/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 Fort Wayne is approximately $0.
Category
Healthcare
Local Colleges
24
Public Tuition
$8,380/yr
Private Tuition
$30,416/yr
Room & Board
$12,588/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$16,185/yr
Unemployment
5.7%
Graduation Rate
68%
Physical Therapy (DPT) Salary in Fort Wayne (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Fort Wayne's cost of living index of 103 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Physical Therapy (DPT) salary: $0 starting, $0 mid-career, $0 senior level.Fort Wayne adjustment factor: 1.03x based on the local cost of living index.
Physical Therapy (DPT) ROI Calculator for Fort Wayne
Estimate your return on investment for a Physical Therapy (DPT) degree using local Fort Wayne tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $8,380 | Private avg: $30,416
Fort Wayne avg aid: $16,185/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$83,872
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$-36,050
vs HS diploma in Fort Wayne
ROI Payback Period
N/A
to break even
Lifetime Return in Fort Wayne
$-83,872
Lifetime earnings premium ($0) minus total education cost ($83,872)
Student Loan Payoff for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Fort Wayne
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Fort Wayne for Physical Therapy (DPT)
Purdue University Fort Wayne
public
$8,380/yr
$33,520 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne
$4,540/yr
Top Employers for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Fort Wayne Hiring Sectors for Healthcare
Hospitals
Medical centers
Private practices
Health systems
Pharma companies
Common Physical Therapy (DPT) Job Titles
Physical Therapy (DPT) in Nearby Indiana Cities
Indianapolis, IN
$0 starting · COL 94
25 colleges
Evansville, IN
$0 starting · COL 86
10 colleges
South Bend, IN
$0 starting · COL 89
9 colleges
Carmel, IN
$0 starting · COL 105.2
4 colleges
Fishers, IN
$0 starting · COL 100.5
4 colleges
Bloomington, IN
$0 starting · COL 83
5 colleges
Hammond, IN
$0 starting · COL 93.1
4 colleges
Lafayette, IN
$0 starting · COL 84.8
3 colleges
Other Healthcare Majors in Fort Wayne
Pharmacy
$52K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Health Informatics
$52K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Nursing
$70K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Healthcare Administration
$52K starting · 4 yr ROI
Occupational Therapy
$52K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Dental Hygiene
$52K starting · 3 yr ROI
Speech-Language Pathology
$52K starting · 4.2 yr ROI
Public Health
$52K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Physical Therapy (DPT) degree outcomes in Fort Wayne, IN: 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 Indiana.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Indiana 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 — Indiana programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "indiana 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 Fort Wayne — 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 Fort Wayne.