Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree in Raleigh, NC — Salary & ROI 2026
Physical Therapy (DPT) degree analysis for Raleigh, NC. 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 Raleigh
Cost of Living
83
index (100 = avg)
Physical Therapy (DPT) in Raleigh, NC Overview
Raleigh is one of North Carolina's top college towns, with 21 institutions and a student population of 113,809. Public tuition averages $9,101/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 Raleigh is approximately $0.
Category
Healthcare
Local Colleges
21
Public Tuition
$9,101/yr
Private Tuition
$30,399/yr
Room & Board
$10,389/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$7,262/yr
Unemployment
3.4%
Graduation Rate
62%
Physical Therapy (DPT) Salary in Raleigh (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Raleigh's cost of living index of 83 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Physical Therapy (DPT) salary: $0 starting, $0 mid-career, $0 senior level.Raleigh adjustment factor: 0.83x based on the local cost of living index.
Physical Therapy (DPT) ROI Calculator for Raleigh
Estimate your return on investment for a Physical Therapy (DPT) degree using local Raleigh tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $9,101 | Private avg: $30,399
Raleigh avg aid: $7,262/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$77,960
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$-29,050
vs HS diploma in Raleigh
ROI Payback Period
N/A
to break even
Lifetime Return in Raleigh
$-77,960
Lifetime earnings premium ($0) minus total education cost ($77,960)
Student Loan Payoff for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Raleigh
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Raleigh for Physical Therapy (DPT)
North Carolina State University
public
$9,101/yr
$36,404 total
Meredith College
private
$42,074/yr
$168,296 total
Shaw University
private
$18,724/yr
$74,896 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Wake Technical Community College
$2,864/yr
Top Employers for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Raleigh
Raleigh offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Raleigh Hiring Sectors for Healthcare
Hospitals
Medical centers
Private practices
Health systems
Pharma companies
Common Physical Therapy (DPT) Job Titles
Physical Therapy (DPT) in Nearby North Carolina Cities
Charlotte, NC
$0 starting · COL 89
39 colleges
Greensboro, NC
$0 starting · COL 91
17 colleges
Durham, NC
$0 starting · COL 109
25 colleges
Winston-Salem, NC
$0 starting · COL 106
26 colleges
Fayetteville, NC
$0 starting · COL 90
15 colleges
Cary, NC
$0 starting · COL 108.5
7 colleges
Wilmington, NC
$0 starting · COL 95
5 colleges
High Point, NC
$0 starting · COL 84.5
5 colleges
Other Healthcare Majors in Raleigh
Pharmacy
$42K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Health Informatics
$42K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Nursing
$56K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Healthcare Administration
$42K starting · 4 yr ROI
Occupational Therapy
$42K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Dental Hygiene
$42K starting · 3 yr ROI
Speech-Language Pathology
$42K starting · 4.2 yr ROI
Public Health
$42K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Physical Therapy (DPT) degree outcomes in Raleigh, NC: 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 North Carolina.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Raleigh 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 Raleigh Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), North Carolina 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 — North Carolina programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "north carolina 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 Raleigh — 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 Raleigh.