ACAPT’s 2026 Institutional Profile Survey results are here, offering members a new look at the trends shaping academic physical therapy.

This year’s findings reveal areas of stability and several important shifts worth watching.

Among the findings:

• First-time NPTE pass rates declined to 82.8%, while variation among programs increased.
• Just 14% of programs reported zero faculty departures, compared with 28% in 2025.
• Median in-state tuition and fees reached $75,300, with a substantial gap between in-state and out-of-state costs.
• Core faculty levels remained relatively stable at approximately 12 faculty per program.
• Program directors continue to report limited control over major financial decisions, although budget-negotiation confidence improved.

Start with the  2026 IPS At-A-Glance or the key findings, year-over-year comparisons, and trends every academic physical therapy leader should have on their radar.

EXPLORE THE 2026 IPS

How does your program compare?

Use the IPS to inform conversations about faculty recruitment and retention, program resources, student outcomes, tuition, clinical education and institutional decision-making.