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2027 Best Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools in the Southeast Region

69 Colleges in the United States
3,029 Physical Therapy/Therapist Degrees Awarded
$67,760 Avg Early-Career Salary

Physical Therapy/Therapist degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 69 schools to find the best for physical therapy/therapist students.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Physical Therapy/Therapist in the Southeast Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall physical therapy/therapist education in the Southeast Region.

Top Schools in Physical Therapy/Therapist

1
Duke University crest
Duke University
Durham, NC

Leading the list is Duke University, our #1 school for physical therapy/therapist. Located in the city of Durham, Duke University is a large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 97% of students complete a degree within six years here. Duke University awarded about 98 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Duke University earn a median of $68,778 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete this degree. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Duke University

2
Samford University crest
Samford University
Birmingham, AL

Students looking for a strong physical therapy/therapist program will find one at Samford University, which ranked #2. Set in the suburb of Birmingham, Samford University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Samford University graduates 77% of students within six years. About 38 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Samford University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from Samford University generally make around $74,311. Samford University graduates carry a median of $21,039 in student loans. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Samford University

3
Belmont University crest
Belmont University
Nashville, TN

A rank of #3 makes Belmont University one of the top schools for physical therapy/therapist. Located in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. About 70% of students finish within six years. Belmont University awarded about 54 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Belmont University earn around $73,552 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,447. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Belmont University

4

The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Located in the city of Memphis, The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center is a mid-sized public university. There were roughly 46 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center generally make around $71,678. The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center graduates carry a median of $25,679 in student loans. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center

5
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in physical therapy/therapist, ranking #5. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. About 72 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at University Of Florida in the most recent year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $74,189 early in their careers. University Of Florida graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. See the full physical therapy/therapist program report for University Of Florida

6
Bellarmine University crest
Bellarmine University
Louisville, KY

Bellarmine University earned the #6 position for physical therapy/therapist this year. Set in the city of Louisville, Bellarmine University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 64% of students finish within six years. About 72 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Bellarmine University in the most recent year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Bellarmine University earn a median of $73,964 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,766 to complete this degree. Get the full physical therapy/therapist details for Bellarmine University

7
High Point University crest
High Point University
High Point, NC

High Point University placed #7 among the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Located in the city of High Point, High Point University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 72% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 59 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at High Point University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from High Point University generally make around $113,352. High Point University graduates carry a median of $23,785 in student loans. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at High Point University

8
University Of Miami crest
University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami came in at #8 for physical therapy/therapist this year. Set in the suburb of Coral Gables, University Of Miami is a very large private not-for-profit institution. University Of Miami graduates 84% of students within six years. There were roughly 66 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at University Of Miami in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from University Of Miami earn around $73,125 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $17,750. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at University Of Miami

9
Emory University crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Emory University landed the #9 spot for physical therapy/therapist this year. Set in the city of Atlanta, Emory University is a large private not-for-profit institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 52 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Emory University in the most recent data year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Emory University earn a median of $71,789 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $19,431 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Emory University

10
Marymount University crest
Marymount University
Arlington, VA

Marymount University ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Marymount University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Arlington. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. Marymount University awarded about 37 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Marymount University earn a median of $76,183 early in their careers. Marymount University graduates carry a median of $26,880 in student loans. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Marymount University

11

Mercer University ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Macon. About 70% of students finish within six years. Mercer University awarded about 36 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Mercer University earn a median of $74,161 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $32,463. See the full physical therapy/therapist program report for Mercer University

12

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #12 on our 2027 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill awarded about 33 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the physical therapy/therapist program make about $58,000 in their early career. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. See the full physical therapy/therapist program report for University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

13
Wingate University crest
Wingate University
Wingate, NC

Wingate University ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Wingate University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Wingate. Roughly 46% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 42 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Wingate University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Wingate University earn around $73,520 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,556. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Wingate University

14

University Of Alabama At Birmingham landed the #14 spot for physical therapy/therapist this year. Located in the city of Birmingham, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. About 51 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at University Of Alabama At Birmingham in the most recent year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from University Of Alabama At Birmingham earn around $72,211 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,162. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from University Of Alabama At Birmingham

15
Shenandoah University crest
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA

Shenandoah University placed #15 among the best physical therapy/therapist schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Winchester. Shenandoah University graduates 66% of students within six years. About 67 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Shenandoah University in the most recent year. Graduates of the physical therapy/therapist program make about $73,888 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,005. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Shenandoah University

16

University Of North Florida placed #16 among the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public institution. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 29 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at University Of North Florida in the most recent year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of University Of North Florida earn a median of $75,760 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $18,523. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from University Of North Florida

17

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga landed the #17 spot for physical therapy/therapist this year. This large public university is located in the city of Chattanooga. About 50% of students finish within six years. About 34 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga in the most recent year. Graduates of the physical therapy/therapist program make about $72,301 in their early career. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga graduates carry a median of $23,324 in student loans. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga

18

Lincoln Memorial University ranked #18 on our 2027 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Lincoln Memorial University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Harrogate. About 47% of students finish within six years. Lincoln Memorial University awarded about 52 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from Lincoln Memorial University generally make around $64,307. Students borrow a median of $20,693 to complete this degree. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Lincoln Memorial University

19

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans ranked #19 on our 2027 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans is a mid-sized public institution. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans awarded about 33 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans earn a median of $69,715 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $31,146 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans

20

Medical University Of South Carolina earned the #20 position for physical therapy/therapist this year. Set in the city of Charleston, Medical University Of South Carolina is a mid-sized public institution. About 69 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Medical University Of South Carolina in the most recent year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Medical University Of South Carolina earn a median of $70,205 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $29,043 to complete this degree. See the full physical therapy/therapist program report for Medical University Of South Carolina

21

Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #21 for physical therapy/therapist this year. Set in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public institution. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 59 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Virginia Commonwealth University in the most recent year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of $62,881 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,813. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Virginia Commonwealth University

22

Elon University ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Elon. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Elon University awarded about 43 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Elon University earn around $74,620 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,619 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Elon University

23

Florida International University landed the #23 spot for physical therapy/therapist this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Miami. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. Florida International University awarded about 63 physical therapy/therapist degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, physical therapy/therapist degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $63,249. Typical student debt for the program is $19,349. See the full physical therapy/therapist program report for Florida International University

24
Lynchburg College crest
Lynchburg College
Lynchburg, VA

Lynchburg College came in at #24 for physical therapy/therapist this year. Set in the city of Lynchburg, Lynchburg College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 36 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Lynchburg College in the most recent year. Physical Therapy/therapist graduates of Lynchburg College earn a median of $107,159 early in their careers. Read more about the physical therapy/therapist program at Lynchburg College

25

Florida Southern College ranked #25 on our 2027 list of the best physical therapy/therapist schools. Set in the city of Lakeland, Florida Southern College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Florida Southern College graduates 70% of students within six years. About 33 physical therapy/therapist degrees were awarded at Florida Southern College in the most recent year. Students who receive their physical therapy/therapist degree from Florida Southern College earn around $48,665 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,357 to complete this degree. Get the full physical therapy/therapist details for Florida Southern College

Rest of the Top 50 Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s physical therapy/therapist ranking:

26
Radford University crest
Radford University
Radford, VA
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Nova Southeastern University crest
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
35
36
37
38
Augusta University crest
Augusta University
Augusta, GA
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY
47
48
49
Methodist University crest
Methodist University
Fayetteville, NC
50

View All Physical Therapy/Therapist Rankings >

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 69 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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