DPT Tuition and Aid
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Total Tuition for 9 Semesters
The UW–Madison DPT program provides an outstanding education at a cost-effective tuition rate. If independent study credits or additional courses are taken, tuition fees do not increase. If pursuing the DPT-MPH dual degree, add the cost of one fall and one spring semester. Visit the Bursar’s Office website for the most current tuition and fee information. Use the tuition rates workbook and choose “Medicine and Public Health” for the Student School/College, and “Clinical Doctorate” for the Program Award Type. Tuition is subject to change without notice.
DPT student financial fact sheet (PDF)
Wisconsin Residency Requirements
To be eligible for in-state tuition, an individual must be living in Wisconsin for an entire year without being enrolled in any education courses (this includes continuing education courses). Out-of-state students who move to Wisconsin and begin the DPT program within a year would be considered non-WI residents for the duration of the program. Additional information can be found by visiting the Office of the Registrar.
Financial Wellness and Aid
The UW School of Medicine and Public Health is committed to your financial wellness. We ensure that all accepted students learn about financial wellness resources, including our DPT program financial aid and our wellness advisor who will help you understand your options for financial support.
The DPT program is committed to providing support to applicants with veteran status, and discretionary funds are available for those facing economic challenges.
Loans and Federal Student Aid: Student loans are administered through the Office of Student Financial Aid. All financial aid applicants must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Loan Repayment Programs: After graduation, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans if you meet the criteria.
Financial wellness advising information can be found on the student resources page.
Graduate Assistantships
Current students may apply in the spring of their first year to be paid DPT program instructional aides (IAs). The position begins in the summer of their second year. IAs assist in the DPT anatomy labs or the surface palpation class. In addition, the program typically offers two DPT Student Social Media Assistant positions and two DPT Student Program Assistant positions, which are paid on an hourly basis.
Outside the DPT program, teaching assistant (TA) opportunities may be available. Current compensation for TAs is a full tuition waiver. TA positions are offered by academic departments, and availability varies. The best way to find a TA position is to begin networking as soon as you are admitted to the program. We encourage you to contact your undergraduate department (or other departments of interest) directly to learn more about potential assistantships. The DPT program shares assistantship opportunities with current and incoming students as we learn about them.
Visit Student Jobs to search for hourly jobs, both on and off campus, that align with your interests, experience and career goals.
UW DPT Program Scholarships
Students in the University of Wisconsin–Madison Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program are eligible for a wide array of scholarships made possible by generous donations from alumni, families, former faculty and friends of the program. Current students must apply for these scholarships, which are posted on the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) at the beginning of the first summer semester. Most program scholarships range from $500 to $2,500.
Amelia Doyon Scholarship
The Amelia Doyon Scholarship Fund was established in honor of her many contributions to the physical therapy profession.
Barbara Ellen Gerlich-Hoefeyzer Scholarships
The Barbara Ellen Gerlich-Hoefeyzer Scholarship Fund was initiated in honor of her many contributions to the physical therapy profession and is to be used for student scholarships, fellowships, programs and services in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Caroline, Clara, Charles, and Mildred Harper Scholarships
The Harper Scholarship Fund was established to award physical therapy students with scholarships for their second or third year of study. Academic standing and financial need are considered.
Jean L. Roland Memorial Scholarship
The Jean L. Roland Scholarship Fund was established to honor her distinguished career as a physical therapist and her service to children with disabilities, and to recognize her many contributions to the profession. This memorial scholarship is awarded to a physical therapy student during their second year of graduate study.
Margaret A. Kohli Scholarship
Established with contributions from the friends of Margaret Kohli, this fund provides financial assistance to second-year physical therapy students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and a potential for leadership in the field of physical therapy. The fund was created in honor of Kohli’s retirement as the director of the UW–Madison Physical Therapy program, a position she held from 1941 to 1980.
Physical Therapy Rural Health Scholarship
This fund was established at the request of the Physical Therapy Program to help students enrolled in the Program participate in full-time clinical internships in rural facilities and settings.
Physical Therapy Student Scholarships
The Physical Therapy Student Scholarships, created from a gift by the Ridley Family, provide funds for physical therapy students entering their second year of study. The scholarship aims to encourage leadership and service to the profession.
Ridley Family Physical Therapy Scholarships
The Ridley Family Physical Therapy Scholarship Fund was made possible through a generous gift from Lois and Ted Ridley. The scholarship is in gratitude for the care and attention Ted received from physical therapists at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics following brain surgery. Acting on their high regard for university education, this fund provides one or more scholarships to an accepted/enrolled physical therapy student.
UW–Madison Physical Therapy Alumni Coalition Scholarship
Supported by profits from PT continuing education courses, this scholarship is awarded to a first-year student and a second-year student who have provided service to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Other Scholarships
- UW–Madison Adult Career and Special Student Services
- UW–Madison Wisconsin Scholarship Hub
- American Physical Therapy Association Scholarship search tool
Student Debt
The two-year average (2024, 2025) of DPT program graduates’ total debt (including undergraduate debt) upon graduation is $93,000. The range is $16,000–$275,000; approximately 90% of which was from the DPT program. Note: approximately 55% of these DPT students were WI residents, 12% MN (tuition reciprocity), and 33% out of state.