Empowering Graduates: Strategies and Recommendations for Student Loan Forgiveness and Repayment Solutions in Physical Therapist Education.

Abstract

The escalating costs of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education, combined with stagnant salaries, have led to considerable financial strain for physical therapy graduates, with many incurring substantial student debt. Data from the 2023 Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) report highlights the alarming rise in tuition fees, which, along with the high reliance on loans, has led to an average DPT debt of over $100,000. This burden is compounded by the impact on employment decisions, with a significant portion of physical therapists reporting debt-related anxiety and career limitations. Despite initiatives like the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) Financial Solutions Center and various loan repayment programs, many graduates remain uninformed about alternatives to traditional loans. This Perspective builds on previous research by offering 5 case-based scenarios along with actionable recommendations to alleviate the debt burden, including promoting employer-sponsored debt-relief programs, enhancing financial literacy, and engaging in legislative advocacy for policy reforms. By encouraging proactive steps at the individual and organizational levels, the authors aim to provide tangible solutions to address the growing crisis of student debt in physical therapy and ensure a more financially secure future for graduates.