2026 ROI Award Winner
Median Earnings (1yr)
$67,054
95th percentile
Median Debt
$20,231
At national median

Analysis

Bowling Green's rehabilitation certificate punches well above its weight class. With earnings at $67,054 and debt of just $20,231, graduates achieve a 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio—far better than most post-baccalaureate programs manage. This ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings while maintaining exceptionally low debt (5th percentile, meaning lower than 95% of comparable programs). For a university with an 81% admission rate, these are outstanding outcomes that rival far more selective institutions.

The program is rare—only seven schools nationwide offer this specific certificate—which likely explains the strong employment prospects. Ohio professionals in this field typically command $67,054, matching this program's outcomes exactly, though the 60th percentile state ranking is less meaningful when Bowling Green is essentially the only option in Ohio. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests consistent program delivery without being so small that outcomes are unreliable.

For parents, this is straightforward math: their child borrows roughly $20,000 and earns nearly $67,000 within a year. That debt becomes manageable quickly, and the specialized nature of the credential should provide career stability. It's exactly the kind of efficient credentialing program that makes sense for professionals looking to pivot or advance in rehabilitation fields without accumulating crushing debt.

Where Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions postbacc-cert's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Bowling Green State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions postbacc-cert's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green$14,081$67,054$20,2310.30
National Median$67,054$20,2310.30

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates

Physical Therapists

Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

$101,020/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Occupational Therapists

Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.

$98,340/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists

Provide therapy to patients with visual impairments to improve their functioning in daily life activities. May train patients in activities such as computer use, communication skills, or home management skills.

$98,340/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.

$78,310/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Recreational Therapists

Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Exercise Physiologists

Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.

$58,160/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Rehabilitation Counselors

Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.

$46,110/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical Appliance Technicians

Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.

$45,820/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bowling Green State University-Main Campus, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.