College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2025 Best Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools

224 Colleges in the United States
13,809 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded
Physical Therapy/Therapist is of the hottest degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #55 most popular major in the country. This means there are lots of options to choose from when you decide to get your degree.

For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 224 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for physical therapy/therapist students pursuing a degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 13,809 degrees in physical therapy/therapist annually.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Physical Therapy/Therapist School

Best Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools Your choice of physical therapy/therapist school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. We derive our Best Overall Physical Therapy/Therapist School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your Physical Therapy/Therapist Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Physical Therapy
Bachelor's Degrees in Physical Therapy
Master's Degrees in Physical Therapy
Doctor's Degrees in Physical Therapy

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools list to help you make the college decision. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.

Best Schools for Physical Therapy/Therapist in the United States

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the physical therapy degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Physical Therapy

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In CA
133 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

University of Southern California is a great decision for students pursuing a degree in physical therapy/therapist. USC is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Los Angeles. A Best Colleges rank of #13 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were about 133 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from University of Southern California

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In TX
77 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a good decision for students interested in a degree in physical therapy/therapist. Located in the large city of Lubbock, TTUHSC is a public university with a small student population.

There were about 77 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at TTUHSC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
9th Most Popular In CA
44 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Samuel Merritt University is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in physical therapy/therapist. Located in the large city of Oakland, Samuel Merritt University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were about 44 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Samuel Merritt University in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Samuel Merritt University

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
7th Most Popular In TX
79 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

The University of Texas Medical Branch is a wonderful option for students interested in a degree in physical therapy/therapist. UTMB Galveston is a small public university located in the city of Galveston.

There were roughly 79 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at UTMB Galveston in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from The University of Texas Medical Branch

5
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In MA
61 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Boston U is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Boston. A Best Colleges rank of #23 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Boston U is a great university overall.

There were approximately 61 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Boston University

6
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
11th Most Popular In NY
48 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of New York, NYU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #16 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means NYU is a great university overall.

There were about 48 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from New York University

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In OK
62 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

UOHSC is a small public university located in the city of Oklahoma City.

There were roughly 62 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at UOHSC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from University of Oklahoma - Health Sciences Center

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In WA
45 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 50 schools for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were roughly 45 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

9
Tufts crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA

Tufts is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Medford. A Best Colleges rank of #39 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Tufts is a great university overall.More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Tufts University

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In MA
69 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Boston, MGH Institute of Health Professions is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were roughly 69 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at MGH Institute of Health Professions in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from MGH Institute of Health Professions

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NE
76 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Creighton is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Omaha. This university ranks 1st out of 19 schools for overall quality in the state of Nebraska.

There were roughly 76 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Creighton in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Creighton University

12
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NC
79 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Durham, Duke is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were approximately 79 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Duke University

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In IL
93 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Northwestern is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Evanston. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were about 93 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Northwestern University

14
Loma Linda University crest
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In CA
87 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Located in the suburb of Loma Linda, Loma Linda University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were about 87 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Loma Linda University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Loma Linda University

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
8th Most Popular In PA
61 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 7th out of 103 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 61 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Thomas Jefferson University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Thomas Jefferson University

16
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In FL
71 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Located in the midsize city of Gainesville, UF is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were roughly 71 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from University of Florida

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In WI
39 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Madison, UW - Madison is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were approximately 39 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from University of Wisconsin - Madison

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MA
156 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Northeastern is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Boston. A Best Colleges rank of #33 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Northeastern is a great university overall.

There were roughly 156 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Northeastern in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Northeastern University

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
17th Most Popular In CA
6.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Los Angeles, MSMU is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 26th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 29 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at MSMU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Mount Saint Mary’s University

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In TX
42 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

UT Health San Antonio is a small public university located in the city of San Antonio.

There were roughly 42 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at UT Health San Antonio in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In SC
63 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Located in the medium-sized city of Charleston, MUSC is a public university with a small student population.

There were roughly 63 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at MUSC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Medical University of South Carolina

22
Shenandoah crest
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In VA
80 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Shenandoah is a small private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Winchester. This university ranks 13th out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 80 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Shenandoah in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Shenandoah University

23
Duquesne crest
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In PA
92 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Pittsburgh, Duquesne is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 12th out of 103 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were about 92 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Duquesne in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Duquesne University

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NJ
100 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Rutgers New Brunswick is a fairly large public university located in the city of New Brunswick. This university ranks 2nd out of 45 schools for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were roughly 100 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers New Brunswick in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Rutgers University - New Brunswick

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In CT
66 Physical Therapy Degrees Awarded

Located in the suburb of Hamden, Quinnipiac is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 5th out of 18 colleges for overall quality in the state of Connecticut.

There were approximately 66 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Quinnipiac in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physical therapy/therapist from Quinnipiac University

Rest of the Top Best Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools

26
27
Marquette crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
28
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
29
30
Drexel crest
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
31
32
Temple crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA

33

34
35
36
37
SUNY Stony Brook crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
38
Pacific crest
Pacific University
Forest Grove, OR
39
St. Joe's crest
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA
40
NUS Florida crest
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
41
SLU crest
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO

42

43
44
Arcadia crest
Arcadia University
Glenside, PA

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Physical Therapy/Therapist students that almost earned our Best Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools award.

Rank College Location
45 Emory University Atlanta, GA
46 Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA
47 Belmont University Nashville, TN
48 University of the Pacific Stockton, CA
49 University of Delaware Newark, DE
50 Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI
51 Concordia University, Wisconsin Mequon, WI
52 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA
53 Touro University Nevada Henderson, NV
54 University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY
55 Simmons University Boston, MA
56 University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL
57 Baylor University Waco, TX
58 The University of Montana Missoula, MT
59 Texas Woman’s University Denton, TX
60 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
61 University of Iowa Iowa City, IA
62 The University of Tennessee - Health Science Center Memphis, TN
63 University of Kansas Lawrence, KS
64 Upstate Medical University Syracuse, NY
65 University of Connecticut Storrs, CT
66 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC
67 Springfield College Springfield, MA
68 Sacred Heart University Fairfield, CT
69 University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL
70 Ithaca College Ithaca, NY
71 University of Kentucky Lexington, KY
72 University of Wisconsin - La Crosse La Crosse, WI
73 Gannon University Erie, PA
74 University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV

Physical Therapy/Therapist by Region

View the Best Physical Therapy/Therapist Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

One of 16 majors within the Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Professions area of study, Physical Therapy/Therapist has other similar majors worth exploring.

Related Major Annual Graduates
Occupational Therapy 10,592
Rehabilitation Science 1,258
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling 1,017
Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy 877
Other Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions 773
Art Therapy 770
Music Therapy 688
Orthotist/Prosthetist 331
Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering 138
Kinesiotherapy/Kinesiotherapist 129

View All Physical Therapy Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options