Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Andrews University

Similar rehabilitation programs across Michigan suggest first-year earnings around $41,320, which puts Andrews roughly in the middle of the state's pack—well behind Saginaw Valley's $59,937 but ahead of Eastern Michigan's $33,926. That's a respectable starting point for entering therapeutic professions, though the range shows how much program quality and connections matter in this field.

The debt picture is where Andrews distinguishes itself. At $21,951, graduates here are borrowing roughly $5,000 less than the typical Michigan student in this major and $4,300 less than the national median. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53—meaning graduates owe about half their first-year salary, which is manageable territory for healthcare-adjacent fields where earnings often grow with licensure and specialization.

The challenge is that we're working with estimated figures based on peer programs rather than Andrews' actual graduate outcomes. The modest starting salary combined with below-average debt suggests reasonable value, but parents should verify whether this program leads to the specific licensures or certifications their child needs. In rehabilitation fields, credentials matter enormously, and a $20,000 difference between the top and middle programs in Michigan likely reflects different career pathways—occupational therapy versus rehab counseling, for instance. Confirm that Andrews' specific track aligns with your child's career goals before the debt looks as sensible as it appears on paper.