Analysis
Capital University's rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelor's comes with an estimated $27,000 in debt—manageable by most standards—but the earnings picture deserves scrutiny. Based on three comparable programs in Ohio, first-year earnings land around $36,000, which creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75. That's reasonable compared to many bachelor's programs, but it means graduates would be dedicating roughly 25% of their gross first-year income to debt service under standard repayment plans.
The challenge here is that rehabilitation fields often require additional credentials or graduate work to reach higher earning potential. If this bachelor's serves as a stepping stone to graduate school, you're looking at layered debt. However, if graduates enter the workforce directly—perhaps as rehabilitation aides or in entry-level therapeutic support roles—$36,000 represents a livable but modest starting point. Peer programs in Ohio show similar outcomes, with the University of Toledo slightly ahead at $37,500 and Akron trailing at $31,700, suggesting these figures reflect broader market realities rather than institutional weakness.
The practical question: can your child afford to start at $36,000 while managing $300-350 monthly loan payments? If they're committed to this field and understand the career trajectory, the debt load won't sink them. But if they're uncertain about graduate school plans or exploring rehabilitation as one of several options, the limited financial cushion means little room for course correction after graduation.
Where Capital University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,788 | $35,966* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $12,377 | $37,554* | $40,733 | $24,875* | 0.66 | |
| $11,188 | $35,966* | $37,095 | $30,000* | 0.83 | |
| $12,799 | $31,765* | $48,443 | $26,323* | 0.83 | |
| 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 Capital University, approximately 31% 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 3 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.