Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Bridgewater State University

In Massachusetts, rehabilitation and therapeutic professions programs cluster tightly around the $35,000-$38,000 range for first-year earnings, and Bridgewater State appears to track with this pattern. Based on comparable programs statewide, graduates here can expect to start around $36,000—right at the median for both Massachusetts and the nation. The estimated debt load of about $25,500 is slightly below typical borrowing levels for this field, which helps offset the modest starting salary.

That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 suggests manageable repayment, though families should understand what "manageable" means in practice: these graduates likely face monthly payments of $280-$300 on a standard 10-year plan, consuming roughly 9-10% of pre-tax income. For a helping profession that often requires additional credentials or licensure to advance, this financial starting point matters. Many rehabilitation specialists pursue graduate degrees within a few years, so carrying undergraduate debt into further education is a real consideration.

The key question is whether this bachelor's degree represents a complete credential or a stepping stone. If your child plans to work immediately after graduation in roles like rehabilitation aide or activity coordinator, these earnings reflect that reality. If graduate school is the plan, Bridgewater's relatively affordable debt load compared to some Massachusetts alternatives becomes its strongest selling point—you're not overpaying for what's essentially a prerequisite degree.