Physical Therapy Scholarships

To apply for most types of financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. You can obtain these from a college financial aid office, a local public library, the Federal Student Aid Information Center (at 1-800-433-3243), or online. The FAFSA should be submitted as soon as possible after January 1 for the next school year.

Many employers may offer physical therapy financial aid, paying some—or all—tuition costs for those who are already employed in the field and wish to upgrade their skills. Here are some federal and professional scholarship and grant resources:

• American Physical Therapy Association has extensive resources for students and prospective students, including links to grants, scholarships and student loans
• Federal PELL grants are available to undergraduates who have not earned a professional degree
• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for low-income undergraduate students
• Federal Work-Study provides funds that are earned through part-time employment
• Stafford Loans are fixed-rate loans for students attending school at least half-time
• Perkins Loans are also available to undergraduate and graduate students
• Parent PLUS Loans help parents pay for their child's college education

Ask schools you apply to about their deadlines and make sure your physical therapy financial aid paperwork is submitted as early as possible. The federal loan process takes a while, so apply as soon as possible and get your college financing in place so you can concentrate on more important tasks—like applying yourself to your coursework.