DPT Tuition & Fees

Admitted students are encouraged to submit a non-refundable $1,000 seat deposit within 14 days of receiving an offer of admission to secure their place in the incoming cohort and proceed with enrollment.

To align with traffic guidelines set forth by the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT), seat deposits may only be collected beginning Jan. 15 of the year prior to enrollment. This policy ensures a fair and transparent admissions process and means that seats cannot be reserved for future cohorts in advance.

The Augustana University Doctor of Physical Therapy-Colorado (DPT-CO) believes in transparency yet some of these costs are best estimates. The following tuition rates and associated costs are per trimester for the academic year. Variable costs of the program are indicated by the use of ** in the cost breakdown below. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

DPT-CO PROGRAM COST SUMMARY DPT-MN PROGRAM cost summary

DPT-CO Tuition & Fees

DIRECT COSTS (REQUIRED)	COST BREAKDOWN	PROGRAM TOTAL
Tuition Effective Spring 2027	$51,500/annually	$103,000
Augustana General Graduate Fee (administrative support services, counseling and student support, technology resources, etc.	$2,000/year ($667/trimester)	$4,000
Total Program Direct Costs		$107,000

INDIRECT COSTS (REQUIRED)	COST BREAKDOWN	PROGRAM TOTAL
APTA Student Membership	$80/year	$160
APTA State Membership (where you reside)	$0 - $30/year	$0 - $60
Background Check & Drug Screen	Additional if Required	$0 - 77 for potentially others should a CE site require additional
AHA BLS Certification	Every Two Years	$126
DPT Lab Kit	One-Time	$375
White Coat	Provided by the Program	$0
All Required Digital Program Textbooks	Program Required	$3,720
Student Health Insurance	$2,189/year	$4,378

OTHER INDIRECT COSTS (ESTIMATED & VARIABLE)	COST BREAKDOWN	PROGRAM TOTAL
Computer (must meet program requirements)	One-Time	$940 - $1,750
Educational Applications & Software	Variable	$50 - $400
Lodging, Food, Travel for Lab/Clinical Education	$1,300 - $3,650 Per Visit	$9,100 - $25,550
Total Indirect Costs (Estimated Range)		$18,841 - $36,596
Total Estimated Cost of Program Completion		$125,841 - $143,596

Direct Costs reflect the items that are billed to the student as part of programmatic tuition and fees.

Indirect costs are costs that the student pays directly in association with the requirement. Indirect costs are estimated costs that are not charged to a student’s university account but are still a part of life as a college student. This includes books and supplies, transportation and personal or miscellaneous expenses. Actual expenses will vary by student.

The above costs reflect an estimate of expenses for travel and lodging requirements for lab immersion sessions and clinical education experiences. Students are required to make their own travel and lodging arrangements for these instructional periods. Any needed travel expenses and clinical education lodging will vary by student.

DPT-MN Tuition & Fees

Direct Costs	Cost Breakdown	Program Total
Fall 2026 Tuition	$51,500 ($17,166/trimester)	$103,000
Fall 2025 Tuition	$51,500 ($17,166/trimester)	$103,000
Fall 2024 Tuition	$50,000/year ($16,666/trimester)	$100,000
General fees: administrative support services, counseling services, library, fitness center and technology resources	$2,000/year ($667/trimester)	$4,000
Fall 2026 Total Direct Costs	Tuition + General Fees	$107,000
Fall 2025 Total Direct Costs	Tuition + General Fees	$107,000
Fall 2024 Total Direct Costs	Tuition + General Fees	$104,000

Indirect Costs (Required)	Cost Breakdown	Program Total
APTA Student Membership Dues (annual)	$90/year	$180
Background Check (at enrollment and may be required for some clinical sites)	$275 (one time)	$275
PT Kit	$300 (one time)	$300
Textbooks, educational apps, licensure preparation materials (estimated)	$2,500 ($415/trimester)	$2,500
Lab Clothes	$300 (one time)	$300
Total Direct Costs	All Costs Listed Above	$3,555

Other Indirect Costs (estimated and variable)	Cost Breakdown	Program Total
Computer (must meet program requirements)	$1,500	$1,500
Health Insurance (required to have coverage)	$2,189/year (based on average state exchange rates)	$4,378
Lodging, food, travel to/from seven lab immersions	$700 - $3,650 per immersion	$4,900 - $25,550
Lodging, food, travel to/from three clinical rotations	$900 - $6,600 per rotation	$2,700 - $19,800

Direct Costs reflect the items that are billed to the student as part of programmatic tuition and fees.

DPT Financial Aid FAQs

Are there scholarships or grants available?

There are no scholarships or grants offered through Augustana University for the Augustana Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program.

What other type of financial aid may be available?

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to those who qualify by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan has interest accruing from the time the funds are disbursed and is available during any term in which the student is enrolled at least half-time (five credits or more).

How do I apply for a Federal Direct Loan?

You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studenaid.gov/fafsa during each program year.

How much can I borrow?

The Federal Direct Loan maximum for graduate students is $20,500 per year. Keep in mind, a loan origination fee of approximately 1% will be withheld from the unsubsidized loan proceeds.

What if I need funds in addition to the Federal Direct Loan?

Private education loans are an option for funding in addition to the Federal Direct Loan. Private Loan Options

What is the interest rate on the Federal Direct Loan?

The interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury Bill rates and is set each year on July 1. The interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan. Interest current interest begins to accrue on the date the loan is disbursed. Interest Rates

When do I start repayment of the loan?

Payments are not required during any period of enrollment in which you are registered for five credits or more (halftime). There is also a 6-month grace period following the date your enrollment status drops below half-time so you should expect to begin repayment within six months of that occurrence. Once you have used your grace period, your loan can be deferred, but repayment will begin within 30 days of the end of the deferment period. The maximum repayment term is 10 years. Please keep in mind if there is a term that you register for less than five credits and you have previous federal loans, your loans will go into grace or repayment status.

When will I receive my financial aid notification?

Once you are registered for the term and have a current FAFSA on file, a financial aid offer notice will be sent to your Augustana email address. You will be required to accept the Financial Aid offer on your student portal (my.augie.edu) for your loan to be processed. Although the maximum loan amount will be offered, you can decline any or all of the amount.

Will I need to sign a promissory note for the loan?

Yes, if you have not borrowed Federal Direct Loans in the past. The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is available online at studentaid.gov. You will need to sign in using your FSA ID username and password and complete the form online. If this is your first Federal Direct Student Loan, you must also complete the Loan Entrance Counseling — available at studentaid.gov.

When and how will the loan be disbursed?

The Federal Direct Loan will be disbursed at the beginning of each term for the amount you have indicated on your financial aid offer acceptance. The total amount of the loan you accept will be disbursed over three trimesters. The funds are electronically posted to your Augustana student account. If you have borrowed more than the amount needed to cover tuition for the current term, the excess will be refunded to your bank account. In this instance, it is important for you to enter the proper bank account number in the my.augie.edu portal.

When and how is tuition billed for this program?

Tuition is billed each term. You will receive billing notices from the business office. Questions regarding billing should be directed to 605.274.5239 or businessoffice@augie.edu.

Do you have payment plan options available?

Yes. The Augustana Business Office has several payment plans that may suit your needs. Please contact the Business Office at 605.274.5239 or businessoffice@augie.edu.

What happens if I need to withdraw from the program?

If you withdraw before the time when 60% of the course has passed, or if you fail to complete all courses contained in the term, there will be a recalculation of charges and financial aid. If you borrowed Federal Loans, we are required to recalculate your loan eligibility and may be required to return funds to the U.S. Department of Education. A withdrawal from the program or individual courses could result in your owing the university. Recalculation Dates

What is the loan period I should enter when applying for a private education loan?

The loan period is for three trimesters (one year). The loan will be disbursed in three equal parts each trimester, with any refund being processed back to you approximately two weeks after the start of each term.

How do I know how much to borrow?

You will need to figure out how much you want or need to borrow by considering the tuition and fees for the year (three trimesters) and any other expenses you may have (supplies, transportation, lodging). If you are eligible to file the FAFSA, you will be offered $20,500 in federal unsubsidized loan each year. After you subtract that loan eligibility, the difference is what you may need to consider borrowing a Private Education Loan.

I borrowed extra on my student loan. When can I expect to see the refunds?

Refunds will be processed approximately two weeks after the start of each trimester. Make sure you have set up direct deposit through your my.augie.edu portal to receive your refund in a timely manner.

When can I apply for a private education loan?

If you are applying for a private education loan, you should wait until a few months before the start of your program so the credit check does not expire.

What if my question is not answered here?

Additional information may be found by visiting the Augustana Office of Financial Aid.

For answers to additional questions regarding financial aid opportunities for the Augustana DPT-MN Program, contact Dr. Lindsay Perry.

For answers to additional questions regarding financial aid opportunities for the Augustana DPT-CO Program, contact Dr. Jennifer Davia.

Student Loan Resources

Beyond the resources below, DPT students can gain access to various public and private scholarships based on academics, merit, need, service and/or specific populations. Please search for additional opportunities online.

Federal Student Aid (U.S. Department of Education)

Explore the FAFSA and other government funded loans and grant programs through the U.S. Department of Education, which also offers a Federal Student Loan Repayment Simulator to assist with calculating the costs of federal loans.

External National Physical Therapy Scholarships

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Various scholarships are offered for students pursing healthcare education through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Pat Tillman Foundation

The Pat Tillman Foundation offers scholarship support for service members, veterans and military spouses.

Veterans United Foundation

Veterans United Foundation Scholarships offer financial support for family of service members and veterans pursuing their education.

The Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions: Scholarship of Excellence

The Scholarship of Excellence is for allied health students enrolled in its member schools. Eligible programs include FN, MLS, CDIS, SOWK and PT. Twelve recipients will each be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.