Northwestern Feinberg Physical Therapy
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Students in the Northwestern DPT program join a tight-knit cohort that progresses through the curriculum together, fostering strong professional relationships and peer support networks. The relatively small class size allows for personalized attention from faculty and meaningful connections among classmates. Students frequently form study groups and collaborate on research projects, building the teamwork skills essential for healthcare practice. The Chicago campus location places students in one of America's most vibrant cities, with easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment, and outdoor recreation. The Streeterville neighborhood offers numerous dining options, and the lakefront provides opportunities for running, cycling, and other physical activities. Many students take advantage of the urban setting to explore Chicago's diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums, and thriving food scene. Housing options near the Chicago campus include university-affiliated apartments and numerous private rental options in nearby neighborhoods. Most graduate students live off-campus in apartments in Streeterville, the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, or other North Side neighborhoods. Public transportation via the CTA provides convenient access to campus and throughout the metropolitan area. The cost of living in Chicago is significant, and students should budget accordingly for housing, transportation, and daily expenses. Professional development opportunities abound through student organizations, including the Student Physical Therapy Association, which organizes educational events, community service activities, and networking opportunities with practicing clinicians. Students can attend professional conferences, participate in advocacy activities, and engage with the broader physical therapy community. The program also facilitates mentorship connections with alumni and clinical partners.
Location & Surroundings
Northwestern's physical therapy program is based at the Chicago campus in the Streeterville neighborhood, adjacent to the Magnificent Mile and steps from Lake Michigan. This urban setting provides students with access to world-class clinical training sites, diverse patient populations, and the cultural amenities of one of America's great cities. The medical campus houses the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and numerous affiliated clinical and research facilities. Chicago offers a four-season climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Lake Michigan moderates temperatures somewhat, creating the famous "lake effect" that influences weather patterns throughout the year. Students should prepare for significant winter weather, including temperatures below freezing and substantial snowfall. The spring and fall seasons offer pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities along the lakefront. Transportation in Chicago is facilitated by an extensive public transit system, including the CTA buses and elevated trains. Most students do not need cars, as the campus is well-served by public transportation and many clinical sites are accessible via transit. For clinical rotations at suburban sites, some students find car access helpful. O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport provide convenient air travel connections. The Streeterville area offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops catering to the medical center community. Navy Pier, the Chicago Riverwalk, and the Art Institute of Chicago are all within easy reach. The surrounding neighborhoods of the Gold Coast, River North, and Lincoln Park provide additional options for dining, entertainment, and recreation. Students benefit from Chicago's position as a healthcare hub, with numerous hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations providing clinical education and employment opportunities.
Costs & Career Outcomes
The Northwestern DPT program represents a significant educational investment, with tuition rates among the highest for physical therapy programs nationally. Current tuition for the three-year program totals approximately $150,000-170,000, with additional costs for fees, books, equipment, and living expenses in Chicago. Students should budget for the high cost of living in the Chicago metropolitan area when calculating total educational expenses. Financial aid is available through federal student loans, and some students receive scholarships or grants that offset a portion of tuition costs. The financial aid office provides guidance on loan options, budgeting, and debt management strategies. Many students work part-time during the program, though the demanding curriculum limits employment opportunities. Students should carefully consider the debt burden associated with the program and develop realistic repayment plans. Career outcomes for Northwestern DPT graduates are excellent, with virtually all graduates passing the national licensure examination and securing employment in their chosen practice area. The program's reputation and extensive clinical network facilitate job placement, and many students receive job offers from clinical sites where they completed rotations. Starting salaries for physical therapists vary by setting and location, typically ranging from $70,000 to $90,000 in the Chicago area, with potential for higher earnings in certain specialties or leadership roles. Graduates practice in diverse settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine facilities, home health agencies, and schools. Many pursue specialty certifications in areas such as orthopedics, neurology, sports, or geriatrics. The program's research emphasis prepares graduates for careers that combine clinical practice with scholarly activity, and some alumni pursue academic positions or research-focused careers. Northwestern's alumni network provides valuable professional connections throughout graduates' careers.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for Northwestern Feinberg Physical Therapy
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free