Analysis
Similar programs across Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $40,000 for this bachelor's degree, which aligns almost exactly with the state median for rehabilitation and therapeutic professions. With an estimated debt load of $27,000, graduates would face monthly payments of roughly $300—leaving limited financial breathing room on an entry-level salary that translates to about $3,330 monthly before taxes.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 falls within a manageable range, but the real concern is the field itself. Nationally, rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelor's degrees produce median earnings of just $36,000—meaning this program's estimated outcomes actually exceed the typical national return. However, Pennsylvania's 23 programs in this field cluster tightly around $40,000, so there's little competitive advantage here. Reported outcomes from Temple and Pitt suggest this estimate is reasonable, but also show the earnings ceiling isn't much higher even at larger universities.
The practical question is whether $40,000 provides enough runway for your child's career goals. If this degree leads to positions requiring licensure or graduate study (common in rehabilitation fields), factor in those additional costs and delayed earnings. If it's a terminal credential for immediate employment, the debt is serviceable but the salary growth trajectory matters enormously—and we can't assess that from first-year data alone.
Where Cairn University-Langhorne Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,625 | $39,961* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $10,507 | $41,797* | $38,020 | $27,000* | 0.65 | |
| $22,082 | $40,085* | $45,785 | $27,000* | 0.67 | |
| $14,620 | $39,836* | $62,239 | $25,474* | 0.64 | |
| $21,524 | $39,836* | $62,239 | $25,474* | 0.64 | |
| National Median | — | $35,966* | — | $26,250* | 0.73 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Orthotists and Prosthetists
Recreational Therapists
Exercise Physiologists
Rehabilitation Counselors
Medical Appliance Technicians
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
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 Cairn University-Langhorne, approximately 30% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.