Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree in Rockford, IL — Salary & ROI 2026

Physical Therapy (DPT) in Rockford, IL Overview

Rockford, Illinois (pop. 148,655) has 8 colleges offering Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. The local cost of living index of 90 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,026/month. Physical Therapy (DPT) enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in . The adjusted starting salary in Rockford is approximately $0.

Physical Therapy (DPT) Salary in Rockford (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Rockford's cost of living index of 90 (national average = 100).

Physical Therapy (DPT) ROI Calculator for Rockford

Estimate your return on investment for a Physical Therapy (DPT) degree using local Rockford tuition and cost of living data.

Student Loan Payoff for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Rockford

Colleges in Rockford for Physical Therapy (DPT)

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Top Employers for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Rockford

Rockford offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates. National top employers in this field include:

Key Rockford Hiring Sectors for Healthcare

Common Physical Therapy (DPT) Job Titles

Physical Therapy (DPT) in Nearby Illinois Cities

Other Healthcare Majors in Rockford

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Physical Therapy (DPT) degree outcomes in Rockford, IL: 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.

1. 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 Illinois.
2. Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Rockford using regional CPI data.
3. 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
4. Job market outlook for Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
5. 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 Rockford Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Illinois 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:

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 Rockford — FAQ