Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree in Independence, MO — Salary & ROI 2026
Physical Therapy (DPT) degree analysis for Independence, MO. 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 Independence
Cost of Living
85.8
index (100 = avg)
Physical Therapy (DPT) in Independence, MO Overview
While Independence has a smaller college scene with 5 institutions, Physical Therapy (DPT) students benefit from lower tuition costs. Room and board averages $13,276/year, and the car-friendly layout shapes the student experience. Physical Therapy (DPT) enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in . The adjusted starting salary in Independence is approximately $0.
Category
Healthcare
Local Colleges
5
Public Tuition
$10,200/yr
Private Tuition
$30,000/yr
Room & Board
$13,276/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$13,402/yr
Unemployment
2.6%
Graduation Rate
66%
Physical Therapy (DPT) Salary in Independence (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Independence's cost of living index of 85.8 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Physical Therapy (DPT) salary: $0 starting, $0 mid-career, $0 senior level.Independence adjustment factor: 0.86x based on the local cost of living index.
Physical Therapy (DPT) ROI Calculator for Independence
Estimate your return on investment for a Physical Therapy (DPT) degree using local Independence tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $10,200 | Private avg: $30,000
Independence avg aid: $13,402/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$93,904
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$-30,030
vs HS diploma in Independence
ROI Payback Period
N/A
to break even
Lifetime Return in Independence
$-93,904
Lifetime earnings premium ($0) minus total education cost ($93,904)
Student Loan Payoff for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Independence
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Independence for Physical Therapy (DPT)
Independence State University
public
$10,025/yr
$40,100 total
University of Independence
public
$9,718/yr
$38,872 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Independence Community College
$4,862/yr
Top Employers for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Independence
Independence offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Independence Hiring Sectors for Healthcare
Hospitals
Medical centers
Private practices
Health systems
Pharma companies
Common Physical Therapy (DPT) Job Titles
Physical Therapy (DPT) in Nearby Missouri Cities
Kansas City, MO
$0 starting · COL 94
44 colleges
St. Louis, MO
$0 starting · COL 97
23 colleges
Springfield, MO
$0 starting · COL 80
5 colleges
Columbia, MO
$0 starting · COL 84
10 colleges
Lee's Summit, MO
$0 starting · COL 95.5
4 colleges
OFallon, MO
$0 starting · COL 87.3
4 colleges
St. Joseph, MO
$0 starting · COL 90.4
3 colleges
St. Charles, MO
$0 starting · COL 83.4
3 colleges
Other Healthcare Majors in Independence
Pharmacy
$43K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Health Informatics
$43K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Nursing
$58K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Healthcare Administration
$43K starting · 4 yr ROI
Occupational Therapy
$43K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Dental Hygiene
$43K starting · 3 yr ROI
Speech-Language Pathology
$43K starting · 4.2 yr ROI
Public Health
$43K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree in Independence — 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 Independence.