Understanding the Costs of a USD Physical Therapy Program
Embarking on a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is a significant investment in your future. Understanding the costs associated with such a program is crucial for financial planning. This article breaks down the various expenses involved in a physical therapy program, using data from the University of South Dakota (USD) and Des Moines University (DMU) as examples.
Tuition and Fees: The Core Expenses
The most substantial portion of the cost stems from tuition and associated fees. Tuition represents the direct cost of instruction, while fees cover a range of university services and resources.
Des Moines University (DPT) Tuition, Fees and Cost of Attendance 2024-2025:## 1st Year (9 months)* Tuition: $37,008
- University Fee: $1,440
- Technology Fee: $616
- Program Fee: $352
- Lab Fee: $208
2nd Year (12 months)
- Tuition: $55,512
- University Fee: $1,440
- Technology Fee: $616
- Lab Fee: $312
3rd Year (12 months)
- Tuition: $55,512
- University Fee: $1,440
- Technology Fee: $616
- Lab Fee: $104
Des Moines University (DPT) Cost of Attendance 2025/2026:## 1st Year (9 months)
- Tuition: $37,934
- University Fee: $1,630
- University Tech Fee: $630
- Program Fee: $361
- Lab Fee: $214
- Living allowance: $26,788
- Travel: $3,320
- Books/supplies: $1,700
- Computer: $2,000
- Other Expenses: $250
- Health insurance: $3,916
- Loan Fees: $2,500
- Total: $81,243
2nd Year (12 months)
- Tuition: $56,901
- University Fee: $1,630
- University Tech Fee: $630
- Lab Fee: $321
- Living allowance: $30,812
- Transportation: $3,984
- Books/supplies: $1,101
- Other expenses: $351
- Clinical Travel: $1,101
- Professional Membership: $80
- CPR Certification: $75
- Health insurance: $3,916
- Loan Fees: $3,750
- Total: $104,652
3rd Year (12 months)
- Tuition: $56,901
- University Fee: $1,630
- University Tech Fee: $630
- Lab Fee: $107
- Living allowance: $30,812
- Transportation: $3,984
- Books/supplies: $999
- Other Expenses: $351
- Clinical Travel: $1,602
- Professional Membership: $80
- Health insurance: $3,916
- Loan Fees: $3,750
- Total: $104,762
University of South Dakota (USD) Tuition Rates (Per Credit Hour - On-Campus):
USD offers different tuition rates based on residency, program, and other factors. Here's a breakdown:
Undergraduate:
- Resident: $266.60
- South Dakota Advantage: $266.60
- Child of Alumni: $266.60
- Nonresident: $387
- Western Undergraduate Exchange: $387
- Active Duty Military Personnel Resident/Nonresident: $250
- Department of Defense Civilian Resident: $250
- Department of Defense Civilian Nonresident: $387
Graduate:
- Resident: $350
- South Dakota Advantage: $350
- Child of Alumni: $350
- Nonresident: $673
- Western Regional Graduate Program: $350
- Active Duty Military Personnel Resident: $350
- Active Duty Military Personnel Nonresident: $673
- Department of Defense Civilian Resident: $350
- Department of Defense Civilian Nonresident: $673
- Graduate Assistant - Resident/Nonresident: $0
Pharmacy and Allied Health Programs (Per Semester):
- Resident: $5,244
- South Dakota Advantage: $8,653
- Nonresident: $11,219
Veterinary Medicine (Per Semester):
- Resident: $9,713
- South Dakota Advantage: $14,941.08
- Nonresident: $18,676
It's important to note that these rates are effective beginning at the end of the spring 2025 term. South Dakota National Guard members may be eligible for free in-state tuition after federal tuition benefits are applied, but the benefits in total may not exceed 100% of the tuition cost. The graduate benefit is limited to 32 credit hours and the undergraduate benefit is limited to 128 credit hours.
Additional Fees at USD:
- General Activity Fee: $51.85 per credit (2025-26). This fee supports student activities, organizations, the student union, wellness center, athletics, and health services.
- Application Fee: $21 (undergrad); $36 (general graduate school); $93 (EngineeringCAS graduate school). Waivers may be available in certain circumstances.
- Discipline Fees: These vary depending on the courses taken. Examples include:
- Art and Graphic Design: $27.65/credit
- Biology/Microbiology/Anatomy: $44.45/credit
- Business (undergraduate): $30.90/credit
- Engineering: $89.05/credit
- Nursing/Allied Health (undergraduate): $108.70/credit
- Pharmacy: $213.20/credit or $289.05/credit (depending on the program)
Understanding Residency and Tuition Variations
Tuition costs often vary significantly based on residency status. Public universities typically offer lower tuition rates to in-state residents, while out-of-state students pay higher rates. USD, for example, has different rates for residents and non-residents. Additionally, programs like the "South Dakota Advantage" and "Western Regional Graduate Program" offer reduced tuition rates to students from specific states or with specific qualifications.
Read also: What makes a quality PE curriculum?
Online and Off-Campus Tuition
USD also offers online and off-campus courses with different tuition rates:
Off-Campus Tuition Rates (Per Credit Hour):
- Undergraduate: $365.05
- Graduate: $484.10
These rates can be beneficial for students who prefer the flexibility of online learning or who are located outside of the main campus.
Beyond Tuition: Other Essential Expenses
While tuition is a major expense, it's crucial to consider other costs associated with a DPT program. These include:
- Living Expenses: This encompasses housing, food, utilities, and personal expenses. The cost of living varies depending on the location of the university. DMU estimates a significant living allowance for its DPT students.
- Books and Supplies: Textbooks, lab manuals, and other course materials can add up. DMU estimates these costs to be around $1,000-$2,000 per year.
- Travel: This includes transportation to and from campus, as well as travel related to clinical rotations. DMU includes clinical travel in their cost of attendance estimates.
- Health Insurance: Most universities require students to have health insurance. DMU estimates this cost to be around $3,900 per year.
- Technology: A computer is often essential for coursework. DMU estimates a one-time computer expense of $2,000.
- Loan Fees: If you take out loans to finance your education, you'll likely incur loan fees. DMU estimates these fees to be around $2,500-$3,750 per year.
- Professional Memberships and CPR Certification: These are typically required for clinical practice and professional development.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
Fortunately, numerous financial aid and scholarship opportunities can help offset the cost of a DPT program. These include:
- Federal Student Loans: These are a common source of funding for graduate education.
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships based on academic achievement. At the University of Pittsburgh, several merit-based scholarships are available through the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Awardees are selected by the SHRS Executive Committee, and the amount of the awards depends on available funds, financial needs, and essay composition.
- Need-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Des Moines University offers a range of need-based scholarships.
- DPT-Specific Scholarships: Many physical therapy departments offer scholarships specifically for DPT students. Examples from the University of Pittsburgh include:
- Alice Chagnot Oulette Scholarship
- Centers for Rehab Services Scholarship
- David Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center/Joseph M. Scholarship
- Dorothy Bradley Brown Scholarship
- D.T. Watson School of Physiatrists, Division of Physical Therapy Scholarship
- Pasquale “Pat” Croce Scholarship
- Patti Leahy Scholarship
- Paul (and Judy) Rockar Scholarship
- Pearl C. Mann Scholarship
- Mary K. Scholarship
- External Scholarships: Numerous organizations offer scholarships for students pursuing health-related degrees.
- University Honors College (UHC) Awards: The UHC advises undergraduates, seniors, and alumni who are interested in pursuing national and international awards. These opportunities both recognize past accomplishments and give students enriching educational experiences beyond the classroom.
- PittFund$Me: This platform connects students with real, relevant scholarships.
- South Dakota National Guard State Tuition Assistance: South Dakota National Guard members may be eligible for a benefit of free in-state tuition after federal tuition benefits are applied, but the benefits in total may not exceed 100% of the tuition cost. The graduate benefit is limited to 32 credit hours. The undergraduate benefit is limited to 128 credit hours.
Strategies for Managing Costs
- Create a Budget: Develop a detailed budget that accounts for all potential expenses.
- Explore Financial Aid Options: Research and apply for all eligible scholarships and financial aid programs.
- Consider In-State Tuition: If possible, consider attending a program in your state of residence to take advantage of lower tuition rates.
- Live Frugally: Reduce unnecessary expenses to minimize your overall debt.
- Work Part-Time: If your program allows, consider working part-time to help offset costs.
- Employer Agreements: Students with employer agreements are subject to the same payment terms as private pay. Students will be responsible for securing reimbursement from their employer.
The Value of a Physical Therapy Education
Despite the significant costs, a DPT degree can be a valuable investment. Physical therapists play a vital role in helping patients recover from injuries and illnesses, improve their mobility, and enhance their quality of life. The demand for physical therapists is expected to grow in the coming years, making it a promising career path. USD prides itself on a 98 percent first-time board exam pass rate as well as 100 percent job placement rates.
Read also: Understanding PE Content
USD's mission is to develop scholars, practitioners, and life-long learners who provide evidence based physical therapist services throughout the patient lifespan and demonstrate leadership within rural and medically underserved practice environments. The program utilizes a person-centered and evidence-based approach to physical therapy education. Some experiences available to students include presenting research at national conferences, assisting physical therapy faculty in treating Division I athletes and gaining hundreds of hours of clinical education.
Payment Options and Refund Policies
Des Moines University (DMU) provides several payment options for tuition, fees, and other balances reflected as University accounts receivable, which are to be paid by the published due date. DMU accepts cash, checks, and money orders in the Business and Finance Office. eCheck (ACH) and credit/debit card payments can be made online. eCheck payments are accepted for no additional fee, while credit/debit cards are accepted for a service fee per the tuition schedule. Students may authorize a parent, or other individuals, access to their online account and to make a payment.
Tuition refunds for courses dropped during the registration period will be processed within five business days after the registration period closes. Refunds to credit cards and eChecks may take 5-10 business days to appear in your credit card account.
Clinical Education and Placements
The University of South Dakota (USD) DPT program requires five clinical placements during the program. Students will work with the Director of Clinical Education in planning the placements, which can be within driving distance to the Vermillion campus or at over 200 sites throughout the US. USD has contracts with more than 200 clinical sites in various settings, including hospitals, schools, private and hospital-based outpatient clinics, VA facilities, rehab facilities and skilled nursing facilities. They partner with clinical sites in 25 states and also have an international clinical site available in Australia.
Read also: The Importance of Seeding
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