Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree in Houston, TX — Salary & ROI 2026
Physical Therapy (DPT) degree analysis for Houston, 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 Houston
Cost of Living
115
index (100 = avg)
Physical Therapy (DPT) in Houston, TX Overview
Houston is one of Texas's top college towns, with 90 institutions and a student population of 71,513. Public tuition averages $10,200/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 Houston is approximately $0.
Category
Healthcare
Local Colleges
90
Public Tuition
$10,200/yr
Private Tuition
$56,280/yr
Room & Board
$13,520/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$13,081/yr
Unemployment
5.2%
Graduation Rate
72%
Physical Therapy (DPT) Salary in Houston (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Houston's cost of living index of 115 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Physical Therapy (DPT) salary: $0 starting, $0 mid-career, $0 senior level.Houston adjustment factor: 1.15x based on the local cost of living index.
Physical Therapy (DPT) ROI Calculator for Houston
Estimate your return on investment for a Physical Therapy (DPT) degree using local Houston tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $10,200 | Private avg: $56,280
Houston avg aid: $13,081/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$94,880
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$-40,250
vs HS diploma in Houston
ROI Payback Period
N/A
to break even
Lifetime Return in Houston
$-94,880
Lifetime earnings premium ($0) minus total education cost ($94,880)
Student Loan Payoff for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Houston
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Houston for Physical Therapy (DPT)
University of Houston
public
$11,164/yr
$44,656 total
Rice University
private
$56,280/yr
$225,120 total
Texas Southern University
public
$9,236/yr
$36,944 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Houston Community College
$2,688/yr
Top Employers for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Houston
Houston offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Houston 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
San Antonio, TX
$0 starting · COL 120
58 colleges
Dallas, TX
$0 starting · COL 104
82 colleges
Austin, TX
$0 starting · COL 107
30 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 Houston
Pharmacy
$58K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Health Informatics
$58K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Nursing
$78K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Healthcare Administration
$58K starting · 4 yr ROI
Occupational Therapy
$58K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Dental Hygiene
$58K starting · 3 yr ROI
Speech-Language Pathology
$58K starting · 4.2 yr ROI
Public Health
$58K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Physical Therapy (DPT) degree outcomes in Houston, 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 Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston — 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 Houston.