Top Scholarships for Physical Therapy Students in 2026

With average DPT graduate debt exceeding $142,000, every scholarship dollar matters. Here are the top verified scholarships available to physical therapy students in 2026, organized by type with amounts, deadlines, and direct links to apply. For our complete list of 30+ scholarships and loan repayment programs, visit our full scholarships page.

Largest Awards

Military HPSP (Full Tuition + Stipend)

The Health Professions Scholarship Program is the single most generous funding option for DPT students. Available through the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• What it covers: 100% tuition, fees, books, a monthly stipend of approximately $2,999, and a $20,000 signing bonus
• Service obligation: Generally one year of active duty per year of scholarship
• Eligibility: U.S. citizens accepted into or enrolled in a CAPTE-accredited DPT program who meet officer commissioning requirements
• How to apply: Contact an AMEDD, Navy, or Air Force medical recruiter. Applications are rolling until slots are filled.

The Army also offers a dedicated 30-month DPT program that is 100% tuition-free with officer salary and benefits.

Rizing Tide Crest Scholarship (Up to $14,000, Renewable)

The largest scholarship specifically for BIPOC physical therapy students.

• Amount: Up to $14,000 (Crest Scholars, 10 awards) and up to $5,000 (Rizing Star, 10 awards). Both are renewable up to twice.
• Eligibility: BIPOC students entering their first or second year of a CAPTE-accredited DPT program (or PTA-to-DPT bridge). Must be a U.S. citizen or DACA recipient.
• Deadline: May 31, 2026

Rizing Tide also offers the Surge Scholarship (up to $10,000) for graduating PT students or licensed PTs from underrepresented backgrounds entering an ABPTRFE-accredited residency.

TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship (Up to $10,000)

Running since 1990, this is one of the most well-known healthcare student scholarships.

• Amount: Ten awards of $10,000 and twenty-five awards of $5,000 (35 total, $225,000 awarded annually)
• Eligibility: College seniors entering healthcare graduate programs or current graduate students with at least one year remaining. DPT programs are eligible. Must be a U.S. resident and full-time student.
• Deadline: August 1, 2026 (applications typically open in April)

APTA National Scholarships

Mary McMillan Scholarship Award ($5,000)

APTA's flagship scholarship for outstanding PT students approaching graduation.

• Amount: $5,000 for PT students; $3,000 for PTA students
• Eligibility: Within 12 months of graduation from a CAPTE-accredited program. Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be an APTA member, and be nominated by your program (self-nominations not accepted). One PT and one PTA student per institution.
• Deadline: Nominations September 1 through December 1

APTA Minority Scholarship Award (Up to $5,000)

• Amount: Up to $5,000 per recipient (multiple awards given)
• Eligibility: Final-year PT or PTA students who are APTA members and identify as African American/Black, Asian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native, or Hispanic/Latino
• Deadline: December 1

Access and Opportunity Scholarship Fund

Recognizes students demonstrating impactful community engagement, particularly in underserved or rural areas.

• Amount: Varies (multiple awards)
• Eligibility: Final-year PT and PTA students
• Deadline: Nominations September 1 through December 1

CSM Student Scholarships ($1,000)

Helps students attend APTA's Combined Sections Meeting, the largest PT conference in the country.

• Amount: $1,000 travel and housing stipend plus complimentary registration
• Eligibility: APTA student member in second or third year. 15 scholarships awarded annually.

Diversity Scholarships

NABPT Scholarships

The National Association of Black Physical Therapists offers multiple scholarship types including DPT application fee assistance, clinical rotation housing support, and specialty certification funding. Apply by emailing info@nabpt.org.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund ($500 - $5,000)

Open to students of Hispanic heritage in all fields, including DPT programs. Need-based. Must be enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. institution.

APTA Pelvic Health / NABPT Diversity Scholarship ($1,000 + $250 travel)

For PTs, PTAs, or students affiliated with NABPT who identify as African American or Black. Two awards per year toward CAPP coursework.

State Association Scholarships

State PT associations often have less competition than national scholarships. Here are verified examples:

Illinois Physical Therapy Foundation

• Team Rehab Scholarship: 10 awards of $3,000 for Illinois PT students (deadline January 31)
• Judith Harris & Dr. Monica Vohmann Scholarship: $1,000 for first-year DPT students with 3.5+ GPA and financial need

APTA North Carolina

Six or more awards including the Keskula Family Scholarship (preference for first-generation college students) and a DEI Scholarship. Applications open March 1, close May 31, 2026.

APTA Indiana

$2,000 awards (one per Indiana PT program) plus $1,000 conference scholarships. Call for 2026 submissions is currently open.

Georgia Foundation for Physical Therapy

Founders Scholarship ($3,000, up to 3 SPTs) and Sunshine Scholarship ($3,000 for pediatric-focused third-year students). Applications September 1 through October 31.

Tip: Check your own state's PT association website. Most states offer at least one scholarship, and competition is typically lighter than national programs.

Other Notable Awards

ASAHP Scholarship of Excellence ($1,000+)

For outstanding allied health students nominated by their institution. Must attend an ASAHP member school. Deadline June 5, 2026.

APTA Specialty Section Awards

Several APTA academies offer their own student awards:

• Orthopedic PT Outstanding Student Award: Up to $250 plus CSM travel support (nominations due July 1)
• Pediatric PT Student Awards: Conference registration plus up to $550 reimbursement for final-year DPT students
• Adopt-A-Doc Scholarship: $3,000 for Academy of Education members in the dissertation phase of post-professional doctoral programs

Scholarship Calendar at a Glance

Deadline	Scholarship
January 31	IPTF Team Rehab (IL)
March - May	APTA NC Scholarships
May 31	Rizing Tide Crest
June 5	ASAHP Scholarship of Excellence
July 1	APTA Ortho Student Award
August 1	TYLENOL Future Care
Sept 1 - Dec 1	APTA Mary McMillan, Minority, Access & Opportunity
Sept 1 - Oct 31	Georgia Foundation for PT
Rolling	Military HPSP (all branches)

How to Maximize Your Chances

1. Apply to everything you qualify for. Even small scholarships add up. A $1,000 award covers a month of groceries.
2. Start with state and institutional scholarships. Less competition than national awards. Ask your program's financial aid office what is available.
3. Meet deadlines early. Many scholarships are first-come, first-served or have limited funds.
4. Tailor each application. Generic essays do not win scholarships. Connect your experience to the specific mission of each award.
5. Check back regularly. New scholarships are announced throughout the year. Bookmark our full scholarships page and your state PT association's website.

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For the complete list of 30+ verified scholarships, military programs, and loan repayment options, visit our comprehensive scholarships guide. For budgeting help, see budgeting for DPT school.