10 DPT Programs With Low GPA Requirements

Getting into physical therapy school can feel intimidating if your GPA falls below the averages reported by many programs. Still, several Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs with low GPA requirements use holistic admissions processes and may consider factors like prerequisite coursework, observation hours, recommendation letters, and academic improvement alongside your grades.

A lower GPA does not automatically prevent you from becoming a physical therapist. Below, we’ll go over PT schools that may be more accessible for students with lower GPAs, what admissions teams look for, how financial aid works, and ways to strengthen your application before applying.

Can You Get Into DPT Programs With a Low GPA?

It is possible to get into DPT programs with a low GPA, although admissions standards vary by school. Some PT schools publish minimum GPA requirements below 3.0 and use holistic admissions processes that review applicants beyond grades alone. Schools may also place greater emphasis on prerequisite GPA or science coursework rather than cumulative GPA.

Admissions teams often consider factors such as observation hours, recommendation letters, leadership experience, communication skills, and academic improvement alongside GPA. Some DPT programs no longer require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which may make admissions more accessible for students with lower academic averages.

Applying strategically can improve your chances of admission. PT schools with lower minimum GPA requirements or lower average admitted GPAs may provide more realistic opportunities for students whose academic records fall below the national average. Strong prerequisite grades, observation hours, and a well-rounded application can also help strengthen your chances of acceptance.

DPT Programs That Accept a Low GPA

Physical therapy schools can have very different admissions standards, especially when it comes to GPA expectations. While many DPT programs report admitted student GPAs above 3.5, some PT schools publish minimum GPA requirements below 3.0 and use more holistic admissions processes that consider observation hours, prerequisite coursework, recommendation letters, and academic improvement over time. All schools on this list are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

1. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences operates Doctor of Physical Therapy programs in Mesa, Arizona, and Santa Maria, California. The university is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The DPT program emphasizes patient-centered care, interprofessional education, and clinical experience across a variety of health care settings. The school lists a minimum GPA requirement of 2.8, and admitted students report average GPAs around 3.35.

Admissions requirements include prerequisite science coursework, observation hours, recommendation letters, and an interview process. The university uses a holistic admissions review that considers communication skills, leadership, health care experience, and academic trends alongside GPA. Applicants with lower GPAs may still strengthen their applications through strong prerequisite performance or extensive observation experience.

2. Bellarmine University

Bellarmine University is often recognized among the best universities near Louisville, Kentucky, for health sciences education. The university offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program with classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical experiences designed to prepare students for patient care across multiple physical therapy settings. The program lists a minimum GPA requirement of 2.75, while admitted students report average GPAs around 3.5.

Bellarmine University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Admissions teams review prerequisite coursework, observation hours, recommendation letters, and interviews as part of a holistic admissions process. The school may consider students with lower GPAs who demonstrate strong communication skills, leadership, or academic improvement in recent coursework.

3. Emory & Henry University - School of Health Sciences

Emory & Henry University - School of Health Sciences offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program with a focus on patient care, clinical reasoning, and hands-on training across multiple physical therapy settings. The program lists a minimum GPA requirement of 2.75, and admitted students report average GPAs around 3.3. Admissions requirements include prerequisite coursework, observation hours, recommendation letters, and interviews as part of the application process.

The school is located in Marion, Virginia. Emory & Henry University is institutionally accredited by the SACSCOC. The DPT program uses a holistic admissions review that considers academic background alongside leadership, communication skills, service, and clinical experience.

4. Hampton University

Hampton University is institutionally accredited by the SACSCOC. The university offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program that combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical education in patient care settings. The school lists a minimum GPA requirement of 2.8, while admitted students report average GPAs around 3.2. Admissions teams review prerequisite coursework, observation hours, recommendation letters, and interviews during the admissions process.

The university is located in Hampton, Virginia, and is often recognized among the best HBCUs in Virginia. Students in the DPT program complete clinical rotations and experiential training designed to prepare them for physical therapy licensure and patient care in a variety of health care environments.

5. Lincoln Memorial University

Lincoln Memorial University is located in Harrogate, Tennessee, near the Kentucky and Virginia borders, and is part of a region known for medical schools in Tennessee and other health sciences programs. The university is institutionally accredited by the SACSCOC. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program focuses on patient-centered care, clinical training, and service to rural and underserved communities. The school lists a minimum GPA requirement of 2.8, and admitted students report average GPAs around 3.4.

Admissions requirements include prerequisite science coursework, observation hours, recommendation letters, and interviews. The university uses a holistic admissions process that considers communication skills, leadership, community involvement, and academic trends alongside GPA. Applicants with lower GPAs may still strengthen their applications through strong prerequisite performance or extensive observation experience.

6. North Central College

North Central College is located in Naperville, Illinois, in the Chicago metropolitan area. The college offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program that combines classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical experiences across a variety of patient care settings. The school lists a minimum GPA requirement of 2.85, and admitted students report average GPAs around 3.3. Admissions requirements include prerequisite science coursework, observation hours, recommendation letters, and interviews.

North Central College is institutionally accredited by the HLC. The DPT program uses a holistic admissions process that reviews academic performance alongside communication skills, leadership, service, and clinical experience. Applicants with lower GPAs may still strengthen their applications through strong prerequisite grades or extensive observation hours.

7. Regis University

Regis University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program with a focus on evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and clinical training in diverse health care settings. The school lists a minimum GPA requirement of 2.75, while admitted students report average GPAs around 3.5. Admissions teams review prerequisite coursework, observation hours, recommendation letters, and interviews as part of the application process.

The university is located in Denver and is institutionally accredited by the HLC. The DPT program uses a holistic admissions review that considers science GPA, communication skills, leadership, and service experience alongside overall academic performance.

8. State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University

State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program with strong clinical training opportunities in rehabilitation, acute care, and community health settings. The school lists a minimum GPA requirement of 2.9, while admitted students report average GPAs around 3.3. Admissions requirements include prerequisite coursework, observation hours, recommendation letters, and an interview process.

The university is located in Brooklyn, New York, and is one of the major medical schools in New York. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The program evaluates applicants holistically and may consider academic trends, science GPA, and clinical experience alongside cumulative GPA.

9. Southwest Baptist University

Southwest Baptist University is located in Bolivar, Missouri, and is often recognized among the top Christian colleges in Missouri for its health sciences and graduate programs. The university is institutionally accredited by the HLC. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program emphasizes patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and clinical experience across a variety of rehabilitation settings. The school lists a minimum GPA requirement of 2.75, while admitted students report average GPAs around 3.4.

Admissions requirements include prerequisite science coursework, observation hours, recommendation letters, and interviews. The program uses a holistic admissions process that considers academic background alongside leadership, communication skills, service, and clinical experience. Applicants with lower GPAs may still strengthen their applications through strong prerequisite performance or meaningful observation experience.

10. Touro University Nevada

Touro University Nevada is located in Henderson, Nevada, near Las Vegas, and is part of a growing network of medical schools in Nevada and health sciences programs in the region. The university offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program with classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical education designed to prepare students for patient care in a variety of physical therapy settings. The school lists a minimum GPA requirement of 2.75, while admitted students report average GPAs around 3.2.

Touro University Nevada is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Admissions teams review prerequisite coursework, observation hours, recommendation letters, and interviews as part of a holistic admissions process. The program may consider applicants with lower GPAs who demonstrate strong science preparation, communication skills, or clinical experience.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. We also look at factors like:

• Accreditation: We prioritize schools that are institutionally accredited by recognized regional accrediting agencies and maintain accreditation for their physical therapy programs through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• Admissions requirements: We review published minimum GPA requirements, average admitted GPAs, holistic admissions practices, prerequisite coursework, observation hour expectations, and whether schools may consider applicants with lower GPAs alongside other strengths.
• Online availability: While DPT programs require in-person laboratory and clinical training, we consider whether schools offer hybrid coursework, flexible scheduling, or student support services that may benefit nontraditional students.
• Student outcomes: We evaluate factors such as clinical education opportunities, licensure preparation, board exam readiness, and the overall reputation of the physical therapy program.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Average GPA Do You Need for DPT Programs?

The average GPA for students admitted to DPT programs is often around 3.4 to 3.7, although admissions standards vary by school. Some highly competitive PT schools report average admitted GPAs above 3.7, while other programs publish minimum GPA requirements below 3.0 and use more holistic admissions processes.

Many DPT programs also review prerequisite GPA separately from cumulative GPA. Strong grades in courses like anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics can help demonstrate academic readiness even if your overall GPA is lower. Some schools may also place greater emphasis on recent coursework or science GPA trends.

Admissions teams often consider more than GPA alone when evaluating applicants. Observation hours, recommendation letters, interviews, leadership experience, and communication skills can all help strengthen an application. Students with lower GPAs may also improve their competitiveness by retaking prerequisite courses or gaining additional patient-care experience before applying.

Can You Get Financial Aid With a Low GPA?

Many students can still qualify for financial aid even with a lower GPA. Federal financial aid eligibility is usually based on factors such as enrollment status, financial need, citizenship, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress after enrolling in school. Most accredited DPT programs participate in federal financial aid programs and accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

However, GPA requirements for financial aid can vary depending on the type of aid. Merit-based awards may require stronger academic performance, while federal loans and need-based aid often have more flexible standards. Students searching for scholarships for students with a low GPA may find opportunities through physical therapy associations, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and school-specific aid programs.

Some DPT students may also qualify for scholarships or loan repayment programs tied to underserved communities, rehabilitation services, or rural health care. Researching financial aid opportunities early and applying for multiple scholarships can help reduce the cost of physical therapy school.

Tips for Getting Into DPT Programs With a Low GPA

If you have a lower GPA, applying strategically can make a major difference when pursuing physical therapy school. Some DPT programs publish lower minimum GPA requirements and use holistic admissions processes that consider applicants beyond grades alone. Researching PT schools with high acceptance rates or lower average admitted GPAs can help you build a more realistic list of programs.

Strong prerequisite science grades can also help strengthen your application. Many PT schools focus heavily on coursework in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics when evaluating applicants. Retaking key prerequisite classes or completing additional science coursework may help demonstrate academic readiness for graduate-level study.

Observation hours and patient-care experience are also important parts of the admissions process. Working in physical therapy clinics, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or sports medicine settings can help demonstrate commitment to the profession. Strong recommendation letters, communication skills, and a thoughtful personal statement can also help admissions teams better understand your academic journey and professional goals.

FAQs About DPT Programs That Accept a Low GPA

Applying to physical therapy school with a lower GPA can raise questions about admissions standards, observation hours, and career preparation. Below, we’ll go over some of the most common questions students ask when researching DPT programs and PT schools that may be more accessible for applicants with lower academic averages.

Can You Get Into DPT Programs With a GPA Below 3.0?

Some students do get into DPT programs with GPAs below 3.0, although admissions may be more competitive. PT schools with holistic admissions processes may consider prerequisite GPA, observation hours, recommendation letters, and academic improvement alongside cumulative GPA.

Students with lower GPAs often strengthen their applications through strong science coursework, additional observation experience, or retaking prerequisite classes before applying.

Do PT Schools Still Require the GRE?

Some physical therapy schools still require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, although many programs have removed the requirement in recent years. Students looking for PT schools that don't require the GRE may find that a growing number of DPT programs now focus more heavily on prerequisite coursework, observation hours, interviews, and overall application strength instead of standardized testing.

Because admissions policies can vary by school, applicants should review each program’s requirements carefully before applying. Even at schools that no longer require the GRE, strong science performance and clinical experience remain important parts of a competitive application.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Physical Therapist?

Most students spend about seven years becoming a physical therapist. This usually includes earning a four-year bachelor’s degree followed by a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Some students may take additional time if they complete prerequisite coursework, observation hours, or specialized clinical training before applying. Physical therapists must also pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become licensed.

Do DPT Programs Require Observation Hours?

Most DPT programs require or strongly recommend observation hours before admission. These hours are often completed in physical therapy clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine facilities, or outpatient practices under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.

Observation hours help students better understand patient care environments and the responsibilities of physical therapists. Some schools may require experience in multiple clinical settings.

Can You Apply to PT School With a Non-Science Major?

Many PT schools accept students from a variety of undergraduate majors as long as prerequisite science coursework is completed. Biology and exercise science are common majors, but students from fields like psychology, business, or education may still qualify for admission.

What matters most is completing required courses in subjects like anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics while maintaining strong academic performance in those classes.

Discover Low GPA DPT Programs

Find the perfect PT school for you by exploring the accessible DPT programs featured on Learn.org. To find out more about admissions requirements and processes, reach out to individual PT schools directly.