Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree in Kansas City, KS — Salary & ROI 2026
Physical Therapy (DPT) degree analysis for Kansas City, KS. 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 Kansas City
Cost of Living
82.5
index (100 = avg)
Physical Therapy (DPT) in Kansas City, KS Overview
Kansas City, Kansas (pop. 156,607) has 6 colleges offering Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. The local cost of living index of 82.5 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $405/month. Physical Therapy (DPT) enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in . The adjusted starting salary in Kansas City is approximately $0.
Category
Healthcare
Local Colleges
6
Public Tuition
$10,000/yr
Private Tuition
$28,000/yr
Room & Board
$13,267/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$14,093/yr
Unemployment
2.9%
Graduation Rate
61%
Physical Therapy (DPT) Salary in Kansas City (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Kansas City's cost of living index of 82.5 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Physical Therapy (DPT) salary: $0 starting, $0 mid-career, $0 senior level.Kansas City adjustment factor: 0.82x based on the local cost of living index.
Physical Therapy (DPT) ROI Calculator for Kansas City
Estimate your return on investment for a Physical Therapy (DPT) degree using local Kansas City tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $10,000 | Private avg: $28,000
Kansas City avg aid: $14,093/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$93,068
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$-28,875
vs HS diploma in Kansas City
ROI Payback Period
N/A
to break even
Lifetime Return in Kansas City
$-93,068
Lifetime earnings premium ($0) minus total education cost ($93,068)
Student Loan Payoff for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Kansas City
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Kansas City for Physical Therapy (DPT)
Kansas City State University
public
$9,282/yr
$37,128 total
University of Kansas City
public
$9,330/yr
$37,320 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Kansas City Community College
$5,644/yr
Top Employers for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Kansas City
Kansas City offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Kansas City Hiring Sectors for Healthcare
Hospitals
Medical centers
Private practices
Health systems
Pharma companies
Common Physical Therapy (DPT) Job Titles
Physical Therapy (DPT) in Nearby Kansas Cities
Wichita, KS
$0 starting · COL 104
20 colleges
Overland Park, KS
$0 starting · COL 103
13 colleges
Olathe, KS
$0 starting · COL 96.8
6 colleges
Topeka, KS
$0 starting · COL 84
14 colleges
Lawrence, KS
$0 starting · COL 108
5 colleges
Shawnee, KS
$0 starting · COL 86.5
3 colleges
Lenexa, KS
$0 starting · COL 96.2
3 colleges
Manhattan, KS
$0 starting · COL 95
6 colleges
Other Healthcare Majors in Kansas City
Pharmacy
$41K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Health Informatics
$41K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Nursing
$56K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Healthcare Administration
$41K starting · 4 yr ROI
Occupational Therapy
$41K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Dental Hygiene
$41K starting · 3 yr ROI
Speech-Language Pathology
$41K starting · 4.2 yr ROI
Public Health
$41K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Physical Therapy (DPT) degree outcomes in Kansas City, KS: 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 Kansas.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Kansas City 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 Kansas City Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Kansas 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 — Kansas programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "kansas 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 Kansas City — 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 Kansas City.