Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech's rehabilitation program starts graduates at just $26,869—landing in the bottom 5% nationally and well below even Arkansas's modest state median of $28,463. For context, you're looking at roughly $13 per hour in year one, which is barely above what many entry-level jobs pay without a degree. The debt load of $23,890 compounds this problem, representing nearly a full year's starting salary.

The program does show meaningful earnings growth to $35,336 by year four, a 32% increase that brings graduates closer to national norms. However, this growth trajectory suggests graduates may need to invest additional years or credentials to reach competitive earning power in the field. With only three programs in Arkansas offering this degree, parents should note that University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff produces graduates earning $30,000 from day one—$3,000 more annually than Arkansas Tech's starting point.

The math here is straightforward: your child would start significantly behind peers nationally and modestly behind even within Arkansas, while carrying substantial debt. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to attend Arkansas Tech specifically, families should explore either the Pine Bluff program or consider out-of-state options that might justify the investment with stronger initial placement outcomes.