Best Physical Therapy & Kinesiology Schools in Texas 2023

There's a lot to love about living and attending school in Texas. The Lone Star State is known for its friendly people, great food, and beautiful scenery. Texans are known for being warm and welcoming. You'll always feel at home in Texas, no matter where you're from. Tex-Mex or barbecue for you? There are many foods for everyone to enjoy, including the best delicious breakfast tacos! From the mountains in the west to the beaches in the east, there's no shortage of beautiful places to explore in Texas. We're excited to announce the rankings for best physical therapy and kinesiology schools in Texas for 2023!

These are just a few reasons to go to Texas for physical therapy school. Below, Edsmart shows many more reasons to become a physical therapist through Texas's schools. Physical therapy is a stable and growing profession that offers opportunities to help people recover from injuries and improve their quality of life. The demand for PTs is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, making it a great career choice for those interested in this area of healthcare.

Related Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

To become a PT, you must complete an accredited physical therapy program. There are many PT programs available in Texas, so Edsmart has researched to find options that are right for you. Some things you may want to consider include the length of the program, the cost, and the location.

Once you have found a PT program in Texas that meets your needs, the next step is to apply and be accepted into the program. Once you have completed your PT education and passed the licensure exam, you will be ready to begin your career as a physical therapist in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and all 50 states.

Rankings

EDsmart assesses Christian colleges in Texas based on data that covers four main areas:

  • Cost (average net price)
  • Academic quality (graduation rate)
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Salary After Attending (the median earnings of former students who received federal financial aid, at 10 years after entering the school)

All data was gathered from the U.S. Dept of Education websites College Scorecard and College Navigator.

This ranking aims to help students assess the affordability and value of top Christian colleges in Texas so they can make informed decisions about which college to attend.

Best Physical Therapy & Kinesiology Schools in Texas 2023

1. Rice University (Kinesiology)

Score: 100.0

Average Net Price: $16,076 Retention Rate: 97% Graduation Rate: 94% Salary After Attending: $77,683

Rice University is a private four-year college located in Houston, TX with an undergraduate enrollment of over 4,200 students. The university doesn't offer any graduate studies in physical therapy but offers an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology specifically in sports medicine and exercise physiology so students can prepare themselves for their graduate education in PT. A sports medicine and exercise physiology major is a four-year program that provides you with a strong foundation in the basics of human biology, kinesiology, and physiology. You learn how to use these subjects to understand why people move the way they do and what affects sports performance. Rice University was ranked #15 among National Universities by U.S. News and World Report.

2. Southern Methodist University (Pre-Health: Physical Therapy track)

Score: 99.8

Average Net Price: $38,208 Retention Rate: 91% Graduation Rate: 79% Salary After Attending: $72,514

Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, Texas with a student population of over 12,000 students. At Southern Methodist University students can choose the Pre-Health undergraduate track and have their specialty be Physical Therapy. This program sets students up to go on to finish their physical therapy qualifications in graduate school. The classes you'll take to prepare for a physical therapy profession include chemistry, calculus, anatomy & physiology, physics, and exercise physiology. The U.S. News and World Report ranked SMU #34 in Best Undergraduate Teaching and #72 in National Universities.

3. Texas Christian University (Kinesiology)

Score: 99.8

Average Net Price: $39,942 Retention Rate: 91% Graduation Rate: 81% Salary After Attending: $61,325

Texas Christian University is a private university located in Forth Worth, TX with a total enrollment of almost 12,000 students. Despite having a large student population, TCU prides itself on offering a warm and intimate setting and keeps its student-to-faculty ratio at 14:1. Students can earn their way to becoming physical therapists by earning a Master of Science in Kinesiology from Texas Chrisitan University. Advance your knowledge of the workings of the human body and get firsthand experience in a classroom setting as well as through research led by one of TCU's expert faculty mentors. Graduates from this program have gone on to be physical therapists as well as researchers and occupational therapists.

4. The University of Texas at Austin (Kinesiology)

Score: 99.2

Average Net Price: $18,350 Retention Rate: 96% Graduation Rate: 81% Salary After Attending: $67,839

The University of Texas at Austin is a public four-year institution with a total student body of nearly 52,000 students. The U.S. News and World Report ranked UTA #10 in Top Public Schools and #14 in Most Innovative Schools in 2022. The university does not have a physical therapy track, but they do offer undergraduate kinesiology degrees in exercise science and sports management. Along with its undergraduate programs, the University of Texas at Austin has an exceptional kinesiology graduate program in exercise physiology. All of these programs have been highly reviewed and are taught by professionals in the field of kinesiology who will help you better understand how our bodies move, and what affects our movement, and teach you how to properly conduct research.

5. Texas A&M- College Station (Kinesiology)

Score: 99.2

Average Net Price: $18,919 Retention Rate: 94% Graduation Rate: 83% Salary After Attending: $66,566

Texas A&M is a public university located in College Station, TX with a total undergraduate enrollment of over 56,700 students. Texas A&M unfortunately doesn't have any physical therapy programs but they do offer undergrad and graduate level programs that will set you on the path to your physical therapy career. The university offers a BS in Kinesiology with several concentrations as well as a BS in Sports Management. For students looking for a professional degree, Texas A&M offers master and doctorate degrees in kinesiology and sports management. A few of the graduate level concentrations include athletic training, exercise physiology, motor neuroscience, and sport management.

6. Baylor University (Physical Therapy)

Score: 98

Average Net Price: $37,309 Retention Rate: 89% Graduation Rate: 76% Salary After Attending: $60,512

Baylor University is a private four-year institution located in Waco, TX with a total student population of over 20,600 students. Baylor University offers an outstanding 2-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The Baylor University physical therapy program is a combined approach to education, where students do both online and in-person work. The purpose is getting you exposed to the field and teaching you best practices. It also aims at teaching students how to lead, as physical therapists are vital in the healthcare industry. U.S. News and World Report ranked Baylor University #77 in National Universities and #20 in Most Innovative Schools.

7. University of Houston (Kinesiology)

Score: 94.4

Average Net Price: $13,721 Retention Rate: 85% Graduation Rate: 58% Salary After Attending: $56,763

The University of Houston is a public four-year institution located in Houston, TX with a total enrollment of 47,000 students. UH offers an exceptional Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology program through the College of Health and Human Performance. The PhD in Kinesiology is currently focusing on four main areas of the subject, namely, motor behaviour, exercise physiology, sports and fitness administration and obesity studies. The Ph.D. in Kinesiology will provide you with the cognitive and research skills necessary to be a productive scholar, and you'll be rewarded by your extensive knowledge with the doctorate degree. The University of Houston was ranked #45 in Top Performers on Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report.

8. University of North Texas (Kinesiology)

Score: 94.2

Average Net Price: $14,122 Retention Rate: 82% Graduation Rate: 60% Salary After Attending: $51,232

The University of North Texas is a public school with more than 42,400 students calling UNT home. The university offers a BS in Kinesiology with several concentrations in fitness leadership, athletic training, and pre-physical therapy. For students looking for a professional degree, the University of North Texas offers master and doctorate degrees in kinesiology. A few of the graduate level concentrations include sport pedagogy, exercise physiology, and exercise psychology. U.S. News and World Report ranked UNT #46 in Top Performers on Social Mobility and #146 in Top Public Schools.

9. Texas State University (Physical Therapy)

Score: 94.2

Average Net Price: $14,887 Retention Rate: 76% Graduation Rate: 61% Salary After Attending: $50,671

Texas State University is a four-year public university in San Marcos, TX with a student body of over 37,800. TSU has a graduate program in physical therapy that prepares students for a role of leading in physical therapy. One of the best things about the D.P.T. program is the onsite physical therapy clinic where students learn hands-on and have the opportunity to give back through their pro bono work. Under the guidance of experienced faculty, students can train with a variety of healthcare providers to treat patients with a wide range of conditions. The College has an affordable tuition plan, with a 100% pass rate for the national board exams and employment rates. Combined with this unique curriculum design, it's seen great community support and reputation.

10. The University of Texas at Arlington (Kinesiology)

Score: 94.2

Average Net Price: $15,509 Retention Rate: 75% Graduation Rate: 58% Salary After Attending: $54,633

The University of Texas at Arlington is a public school located in Arlington, TX with a total undergraduate population of nearly 33,000 students. UTA offers multiple programs in kinesiology from bachelors degrees, master degrees, and even doctrate degrees. Students can pursue different specializations in kinesiology and design their education to best fit their needs as they work to become physical therapists. The University of Texas at Arlington is ranked #41 in Top Performers on Social Mobility and #68 in Most Innovative Schools.

11. University of the Incarnate Word (Physical Therapy)

Score: 93.8

Average Net Price: $23,126 Retention Rate: 74% Graduation Rate: 53% Salary After Attending: $48,532

The University of the Incarnate Word is a fairly small private university located in San Antonio, TX with an undergraduate population of nearly 5,000. At the Incarnate Word School of Physical Therapy students can earn their Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, or Master of Science in Athletic Training degree. The University of Incarnate Word’s approach to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree sets you apart from other graduates on your first day in the job market. The schools program includes 34 weeks of clinical experience and patient interaction in the first year - this combined with UIW’s expertly designed curriculum gives you unmatched skills and confidence.

12. Tarleton State University (Kinesiology)

Score: 93.2

Average Net Price: $20,307 Retention Rate: 67% Graduation Rate: 57% Salary After Attending: $46,642

Tarleton State University is a public university located in Stephenville, TX. The university offers both undergrad and graduate program in kinesiology through the College of Health Sciences. The School of Kinesiology's mission is to provide you with great educational opportunities that are related to movement and health. Not only does the school have great teachers, but students can also benefit from leadership experience while they're studying at TSU. In addition, the goal is to help you achieve your personal goals and succeed in your career as well as improving your wellbeing. The Kinesiology faculty strives to help students become "fearless champions" and they aim to achieve this by developing their skills in the department of Health and Human Performance and Sport Science.

13. Hardin Simmons University (Physical Therapy)

Score: 92

Average Net Price: $20,041 Retention Rate: 66% Graduation Rate: 49% Salary After Attending: $46,447

Hardin Simmons University is a small private institution located in Abilene, TX and is home to just under 2,000 students. Hardin offers students a pre-health track that focuses on physical therapy that prepares students to enter into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program offered at Hardin Simmons graduate school. This program draws on Christian principles and values while also emphasizing excellence in the clinical practice of physical therapy. It's a perfect blend of faith and practicality, preparing you to be a respected and impactful physical therapist. The faculty are skilled professionals who’ve been teaching students at HSU for decades, and when you graduate, there’s no doubt you’ll be ready to go out into the world and make important changes that will benefit people everywhere.

14. The University of Texas at Tyler

Score: 91.4

Average Net Price: $11,968 Retention Rate: 68% Graduation Rate: 55% Salary After Attending: $49,446

The University of Texas at Tyler is located in Tyler, TX and has a student population of just under 10,000 students. UTT has an undergraduate kinesiology program that offers three tracks: physical education teaching track, athletic training track and pre-health science track that incorporates the prerequisites for pre-medicine, pre-physical therapy and pre-occupational therapy so you can go on to earn your masters or doctorate. You will get the chance to learn about important topics and develop relationships with elite professional through research projects with faculty members that are published in journals such as Journal of the National Medical Association, Journal of Community Health, and Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.

15. Angelo State University

Score: 90.4

Average Net Price: $13,184 Retention Rate: 70% Graduation Rate: 40% Salary After Attending: $44,242

Angelo State University is located in San Angelo, TX and has been ranked #85 in Regional Universities West by U.S. News and World Report. ASU offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program through the colleges graduate school. Gain a better understanding of how the human body works by focusing on major topics like cardiopulmonary, integumentary, musculoskeletal and neurosensory systems. Starting with cardiophysiology and human reproduction to lower extremities, you may even come away with newfound knowledge about your own body! Angelo State University is proud to say that their program has a 100% employment rate and a 98% pass rate on the licensure exams.

Related Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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