Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Caldwell University

Based on comparable rehabilitation programs nationally, Caldwell graduates can expect around $36,000 in first-year earnings—not a strong start given that peer programs suggest $27,000 in debt. That 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe roughly nine months of gross salary, which is manageable but hardly comfortable for someone entering a helping profession with relatively modest early-career pay. The national benchmark for this major sits at $35,966, suggesting Caldwell's estimated outcomes align with typical programs rather than outperforming them.

The real challenge here is New Jersey's cost of living. First-year earnings around $36,000 stretch thin in this state, where housing and basic expenses run significantly higher than the national average. Similar programs across the country produce these modest returns, but the geographic context matters—what works financially in lower-cost states becomes more precarious in the Northeast corridor. With 46% of students receiving Pell grants, many Caldwell families are already operating on tight budgets.

The absence of reported data from Caldwell or other New Jersey programs makes this a particularly uncertain bet. If rehabilitation is the clear career path, investigate what specific roles these bachelor's programs lead to versus what requires graduate credentials. Many therapeutic professions require master's degrees for licensure, potentially making this an expensive stepping stone rather than a terminal degree.