Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree in Santa Ana, CA — Salary & ROI 2026
Physical Therapy (DPT) degree analysis for Santa Ana, CA. 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 Santa Ana
Cost of Living
121
index (100 = avg)
Physical Therapy (DPT) in Santa Ana, CA Overview
Santa Ana is one of California's top college towns, with 27 institutions and a student population of 9,823. Public tuition averages $1,540/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 Santa Ana is approximately $0.
Category
Healthcare
Local Colleges
27
Public Tuition
$1,540/yr
Private Tuition
$44,205/yr
Room & Board
$17,583/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$15,688/yr
Unemployment
6.1%
Graduation Rate
74%
Physical Therapy (DPT) Salary in Santa Ana (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Santa Ana's cost of living index of 121 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Physical Therapy (DPT) salary: $0 starting, $0 mid-career, $0 senior level.Santa Ana adjustment factor: 1.21x based on the local cost of living index.
Physical Therapy (DPT) ROI Calculator for Santa Ana
Estimate your return on investment for a Physical Therapy (DPT) degree using local Santa Ana tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $1,540 | Private avg: $44,205
Santa Ana avg aid: $15,688/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$76,492
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$-42,350
vs HS diploma in Santa Ana
ROI Payback Period
N/A
to break even
Lifetime Return in Santa Ana
$-76,492
Lifetime earnings premium ($0) minus total education cost ($76,492)
Student Loan Payoff for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Santa Ana
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Santa Ana for Physical Therapy (DPT)
Santa Ana College
public
$1,540/yr
$6,160 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Santa Ana College
$1,540/yr
Top Employers for Physical Therapy (DPT) in Santa Ana
Santa Ana offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Santa Ana Hiring Sectors for Healthcare
Hospitals
Medical centers
Private practices
Health systems
Pharma companies
Common Physical Therapy (DPT) Job Titles
Physical Therapy (DPT) in Nearby California Cities
Los Angeles, CA
$0 starting · COL 141
69 colleges
San Diego, CA
$0 starting · COL 140
68 colleges
San Jose, CA
$0 starting · COL 129
95 colleges
San Francisco, CA
$0 starting · COL 114
22 colleges
Fresno, CA
$0 starting · COL 118
37 colleges
Sacramento, CA
$0 starting · COL 112
38 colleges
Long Beach, CA
$0 starting · COL 116
14 colleges
Oakland, CA
$0 starting · COL 132
13 colleges
Other Healthcare Majors in Santa Ana
Pharmacy
$61K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Health Informatics
$61K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Nursing
$82K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Healthcare Administration
$61K starting · 4 yr ROI
Occupational Therapy
$61K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Dental Hygiene
$61K starting · 3 yr ROI
Speech-Language Pathology
$61K starting · 4.2 yr ROI
Public Health
$61K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree in Santa Ana — 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 Santa Ana.