DPTE Endowed Scholarships and Guidelines
Currently, four endowed scholarships have been funded for physical therapy students at Elon University. Interested students will apply for one or more of the following awards in their final year (see below). The applicant will make the case for becoming the recipient of that scholarship. The application is due to the DPTE Endowed Scholarships and Awards Committee at a designated date generally in the fall. The committee will recommend award recipients to the DPTE core faculty by mid-November.
Applicants may apply for multiple scholarships. However, no recipient will receive more than one endowed scholarship unless that individual is the only qualified applicant for two or more scholarships. However, applicants may apply for an endowed scholarship irrespective of any other funding they may have received previously through the university. Each scholarship recipient will receive a check in the amount of the award around the time of graduation.
- Mila D. Weavil PT Scholarship – This scholarship is for PT student(s) and is based on financial need and evidence of service (to the community, department, profession, etc.) while in the program. Students are eligible to receive this award in the 3rd year.
- Ralph and Edna Holt Endowed Scholarship – This scholarship is for PT student(s) and is based on financial need and merit (current GPA in PT school). Students are eligible to receive this award in the 3rd year.
- H. L. C. Endowed Scholarship – This scholarship is for PT student(s). It is to be used as reimbursement for an Elon Experience (e.g. study away, research, including attendance at professional meetings, clinicals/internship, service-learning projects, etc.) that occurs either during the 3-year curriculum or within the first 3 months after graduation. Students are eligible to receive this award in the 3rd year. Students who receive financial support from the department for participation in an Elon Experience (e.g. Global Learning Experiences, Graduate Student Research Funds) may also apply for this scholarship. However, they will need to identify the source and amount of support received in their application.
- Twin Lakes Endowed Scholarship – This scholarship is for student(s) in the School of Health Sciences and is based on financial need and residency history. 1st preference will be given to students who are natives of Alamance County; 2nd preference will be given to students who are natives of Piedmont Triad Area, and 3rd preference will be given to students who are North Carolina natives.
Elon University provides funds for graduate research. Funding amounts vary. This fund covers attendance to present at research conferences as well as direct research expenses.
The North Carolina Physical Therapy Association provides opportunities for students to apply for scholarships like the Ben F. Massey Jr Student Scholarship, and awards like the Outstanding Physical Therapy Student Award in their final year. Students are encouraged to consult with the DPTE Endowed Scholarships and Awards Committee Chair if they wish to be nominated for these scholarships and awards.
The North Carolina Physical Therapy Association also provides student Scholarship and Loan opportunities for students who belong to the APTA and who plan to remain in NC for at least one year following graduation. The organization offers competitive scholarships and loans.
The American Physical Therapy Association also has limited competitive awards for students involved in entry-level physical therapy education.
The APTA website at the PT Education FAQ page lists several sources for assistance in financing your education. Some of those sites include:
1. The Financial Aid Information
2. National Clearinghouse at the Professions Information Center at the Council for Exceptional Children
3. Fastweb
4. US Department of Education
5. Direct Loans
6. RS Education Tax Credit Information
7. College Parents of America (CPA)
The Exceptional Children Division of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction offers tuition reimbursements to DPT graduates who work as school-based PTs in the NC public schools. Contact laurie_ray@med.unc.edu for eligibility & application information.