Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at California State University-Fresno

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 sounds manageable in theory, but the actual numbers reveal a tighter squeeze than parents might expect. National peer programs suggest first-year earnings around $36,000—not far above what many entry-level service jobs pay—while estimated debt sits at $25,500. That means your graduate would be dedicating roughly $283 per month to loan payments on a $3,000 monthly gross salary, leaving little cushion in an expensive state like California.

The California comparison adds another wrinkle. While Fresno State's estimated debt aligns with national figures, the state's median debt for this credential is nearly half that at $12,812. Cal State LA's reported outcomes show graduates earning $32,805—slightly below the national figure used for this estimate. This suggests California's rehabilitation programs may produce more variable results than the national average implies, with some schools helping students graduate with substantially less debt.

For a family where 56% of students qualify for Pell grants, that debt difference matters enormously. If your child is serious about rehabilitation work, confirm whether this program leads to licensure or certification—credentialing often determines whether these earnings grow meaningfully beyond that $36,000 starting point. Without clear advancement pathways, you're looking at years of constrained finances in a state where studio apartments in Fresno start at $1,000 monthly.