Program Scholarships

Several UMN DPT program scholarships are available for all three years of program. Award decisions are made by late May each year. Scholarships for incoming students are awarded during the admissions cycle and require no additional application materials. 

Year One Scholarship

This scholarship is competitively awarded to incoming students based on academic excellence, potential for high professional contributions, and enhancement of diversity components underrepresented in the University of Minnesota Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program, or the physical therapy profession in general. 

Residency Scholarship

This scholarship is competitively awarded to incoming students who do not meet in-state or reciprocity residency requirements but who have a history of academic excellence and potential for high professional contributions. The award is renewable for the second and third years of the program. 

1st-Year DPT Student Rudolph A. Ptak Fellowship

This fellowship was established by Rudy Ptak, who was a 1953 alumnus of the program. He was a loyal and talented Physical Therapist for decades at the University of Minnesota Hospitals with a strong commitment to advancing the profession through student education. Applications for this fellowship are by invitation, based on academic excellence and potential for high professional contributions. This fellowship will be given to at least one student in the 1st-year class.

Beatrice E. & Hurd Boody Scholarship

This scholarship was established in honor of Beatrice E. Boody, a 1945 graduate. Beatrice Boody dedicated her career to helping others through the art and science of physical therapy profession. This scholarship is awarded to a student who plans to work in a hospital-based practice.

Carey Family Fellowship

Upon his retirement as Division Director, Dr. Jim Carey established the Carey Family Fellowship to provide financial support to students enrolled in the Division of Physical Therapy. Preference will be given to second or third year students who demonstrate solid academic performance. Students will also be selected who demonstrate humanistic drive, a positive attitude in the face of difficulty, and an enthusiastic spirit towards the University of Minnesota and the Physical Therapy profession.

Eleanor McManmon Daly Scholarship

This scholarship was established in honor of Eleanor Daly, a 1946 graduate, who has been involved in the provision of physical therapy in many different countries. The purpose of this award is to assist with international travel expenses and is given to a student beginning their third year of study that will be involved in international efforts. 

Marguerite P. Gardner Fellowship

This fellowship was established in honor of Margie Gardner, a 1976 graduate and long-standing faculty member in the Division of Physical Therapy. The first and second year recipients of this scholarship are nominated by their class members in recognition of their service to their class, program, profession and community. 

Barbara Lee Graham Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the family of Barbara Lee Graham, a 1950 graduate, to honor her life as a physical therapist and her commitment to education. From this endowment, one scholarship is issued to a second-year student based on merit and potential.

Donna Pauley Fellowship

This fellowship was established in honor of Donna Pauley, a 1947 graduate of the program and the long-standing director of the Physical Therapy Department at the University of Minnesota Hospital. She was also one of the first Presidents of the Minnesota APTA. The award is given out to graduating students who demonstrate strong leadership skills and intend to pursue a career in the area of Geriatric Physical Therapy.  

Rudolf Ptak Endowed Fellowship

This fellowship was established by Rudy Ptak, a 1953 alumnus of the program and a loyal and talented physical therapist for decades at University of Minnesota Hospitals, with a strong commitment to advancing the profession through student education.  These fellowships are awarded to students based on merit and potential for significant professional contributions.

The Sharp Family Fellowship

This fellowship was established by Janice C. and Samuel L. Sharp. Janice is a 1964 alumna of the program and is a talented physical therapist working in long-term care. This fellowship is awarded to second-year students based on merit while in the Program and potential for significant professional contributions.

Janice Steadland Fellowship

This fellowship was established by Janice W. Steadland, a 1956 alumna of the program, who is impassioned to help physical therapy students in their education. This fellowship is awarded to third-year students who demonstrate the most exemplary standard of clinical excellence. Applicants are nominated by the Director of Clinical Education.

21st Century Fellowship

This fellowship was established through the contributions of alumni following the 60th-anniversary celebration of the Division of Physical Therapy. It is awarded to students based on the potential for excellence within the profession. 

External Scholarships/Loan Forgiveness

A number of loan forgiveness programs and external scholarships are available to DPT students.