Setting a Realistic Tuition for Physical Therapist Education Programs Based on Expected Income: A Survey of Physical Therapy Directors

Journal of Physical Therapy Education, Fall 2004 by Redman-Bentley, Donna

The results of this survey also demonstrate that, at this time, there is little or no difference in salaries based on terminal degree. This is not surprising, since APTA acknowledges that the implications for the DPT degree in the workplace are unclear and that until more programs offer the DPT degree, the impact of the degree on the profession will be unknown.15' Further, in response to questions about whether or not DPT graduates are paid more than those with a BSPT or MIT, AITA reports that "although there may he instances where a DPT graduate is paid more than a BSPT or MPT graduate, there are no data to support a correlation between the DPT and higher levels of compensation."15 Based on the current survey, there is no indication that employers prefer to hire graduates with a DPT rather man those from an MS/MPT program. Students may select the least costly and shortest program to reach their goal without the concern of receiving a lower salary.

Respondents were asked to consider what a realistic annual tuition for a private, 3-year, doctoral program is based on a graduate's expected salary and earned income over the next few years. The intent of the question was to consider ability to repay student loans at a reasonable rate. A potential limitation of this study may be that the respondents were not asked for personal information such as the number of years since graduation from a professional program and me type of institution from which they graduated. These factors may determine the response to this question. Rather than basing the answer on the graduate's salary and ability to pay hack student loans, respondents may have considered their own previous tuition rates. Some participants stated that they did not feel qualified to determine an appropriate tuition level.

Most of the research related to costs of medical education is published by the AAMC in the 1980s and 1990s.1-6 The data describe extensively the characteristics of the applicant pools, enrolled students, and various financial factors related to educational costs. Studies in medical education do not include salary surveys of new graduates/residents or practicing physicians. The authors conclude that rising tuition contributes to student indebtedness and career plans.1-6 Data from the Western University Financial Aid Office reveals that, not including room and board, tuition and fees is the largest factor in student debt at the time of graduation, making up about 77% of the total cost. APTA reports average annual tuition, fees, and other costs. Based on those calculations, tuition and fees are 87% of total annual educational costs.9

Further research is needed to investigate all the factors that determine student borrowing, similar to those conducted for medical schools. Identifying the major factors may provide answers to how educational costs can be reduced and how students can be advised regarding financial matters. This in turn could assist the private or public institutions in recruitment and enrollment.