Information on Program Costs for Physical Therapy
For a year by year breakdown of tuition and fees, please see the CAPTE Student Financial Fact Sheet. Estimated parking fees, housing, transportation, and optional text books are not included in the Fact Sheet.
Graduate students are billed for a maximum of 9 hours each semester. Your tuition and fees are based on 9 hours although students in our program generally take closer to 18 hours a semester. The current number of hours per semester is listed below. Students in our program currently pay a tuition differential of $66.00 per credit hour. Online courses are an additional $56.00 per credit hour. Therefore, specific tuition and fees will vary by semester.
Based on the most recent rates (2026-2027 academic year) the following are the estimated tuition and fees for the full 8 semesters of the DPT program:
In State: $55,200 ($5,896 per semester x 8 semesters plus 120 credit hours x $66 per hour plus 2 hours of online coursework x $56)
Regional Tuition Discount: $72,308 ($8034.5 per semester x 8 semesters plus 120 credit hours x $666 per hour plus 2 hours of online coursework x $56)
Out of State: $89,416 ($10,173 per semester x 8 semesters plus 120 credit hours x $64 per hour plus 2 hours of online coursework x $56)
The above numbers do not include books, parking, or mandatory health insurance.
The cost of books will vary by semester. Based on the 2026-2027 academic year, the estimated total cost of required books for the program is $2,052.72. The estimated cost including all recommended and optional texts is $2,990.81. Many texts books will be used in multiple semesters across the 3-year curriculum. The fall and spring semesters of the first year will be the most expensive, followed by fall of the second year.
The estimated cost for general parking for the entirety of the program is $600.00.
Health Insurance is required. Students may use their personal health insurance or purchase a plan from the university. The minimum annual cost for the current academic year if purchased through the university is $2928.00.
The university does not offer dedicated graduate housing. Housing and transportation costs will vary based on the individual’s housing preferences and clinical education placements. These expenses are not factored into the estimated tuition and fees. The following are estimates based on a survey of current students in the fall of 2026:
Per Bedroom (House or room in apartment):
● Average Cost: $789
● Range: $650-$1033
● Utilities (Divided by Roommates): $98
● Utilities Range: $50-150
Per Apartment/Unit:
● Average Cost: $1263
● Range: $850-$1500
● Utilities: Average: $171
● Range of Utilities: $80-$300
Program Credit Hours
Fall I- 17 hours
Spring I- 19 hours
Summer I- 10 hours
Fall II- 17-19 hours
Spring II- 18-20 hours
Summer II- 9 hours
Fall III- 18-20 hours
Spring III- 10 hours
Total hours- 120
Fees
By using the link to Tuition and Fee Information below, the cost per semester may be calculated. Be sure to select your residency status and scroll down to the graduate level status as well as selecting the correct academic year. In addition, as noted, the DPT program charges a $66.00 per credit hour differential fee. Online courses are an additional $56.00 per credit hour. Therefore, the total amount paid per semester depends on the number of credit hours taken.
Please note that it is difficult to establish residency for tuition purposes in Tennessee if you are not already a resident. Non-residents should make all decisions based on out of state tuition for the duration of the program. Residents of specific Georgia and Alabama counties may qualify for regional tuition rates. For more information on regional tuition rates, click the links below.
Regional Tuition Regional tuition credit applies to students who are residents of Catoosa, Dade, Fannin, Murray, Walker and Whitfield Counties in Georgia and Jackson County in Alabama. The Application for Regional Tuition Differential Rate form must be submitted for every semester of enrollment in order to maintain regional tuition differential rate.
Please note that this information is based on the specified academic year. Tuition rates may change, and the number of credit hours in a semester are subject to change in an upcoming academic year. All fees are subject to any changes approved by the Board of Trustees prior to the beginning of a term.