Location: Helena, MT•In-State Tuition: $40,352•Admission Rate: 73%•Avg SAT: 1170
Median Earnings (1yr)
$22,319
5th percentile
Median Debt
$24,250
8% below national median
D/E Ratio: 1.09 ElevatedSample: 16 graduates Limited data

Analysis

The small sample size here demands caution, but these numbers tell a troubling story regardless: graduates earning $22,319 one year out represents the 5th percentile nationally for rehabilitation programs. To put that in perspective, the typical graduate in this field nationwide earns $35,966—a difference of over $13,000 annually. The 60th percentile ranking within Montana sounds better until you realize there are only three schools offering this program in the state, making it essentially meaningless for comparison purposes.

The debt load of $24,250 isn't catastrophic on its own, but paired with first-year earnings barely above $22,000, graduates face immediate financial pressure. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.09 means they owe more than a full year's salary right out of the gate. For rehabilitation professions—fields where earnings typically grow steadily as practitioners gain experience—starting this far below national norms raises questions about local job markets, program connections, or whether graduates are finding work in their field at all.

If your student is committed to this field, the obvious question is whether they can attend a program with better outcomes. With 273 schools offering rehabilitation programs nationally, and most producing significantly stronger earnings, Carroll's program appears to be an outlier on the wrong end of the spectrum. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to stay in Helena, this investment looks questionable.

Where Carroll College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors's programs nationally

Carroll CollegeOther rehabilitation and therapeutic professions programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Carroll College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Carroll College earns $22k — 5th percentile among rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Carroll CollegeHelena$40,352$22,319—$24,2501.09
Saginaw Valley State UniversityUniversity Center$12,240$59,937—$18,5000.31
CUNY York CollegeJamaica$7,358$57,806$79,325——
D'Youville UniversityBuffalo$33,560$50,473$64,089$26,2500.52
Eastern Washington UniversityCheney$8,353$47,541—$25,3260.53
University of UtahSalt Lake City$9,315$43,684———
National Median—$35,966—$26,2500.73

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates

Physical Therapists

Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

$101,020/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Occupational Therapists

Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.

$98,340/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists

Provide therapy to patients with visual impairments to improve their functioning in daily life activities. May train patients in activities such as computer use, communication skills, or home management skills.

$98,340/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.

$78,310/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Recreational Therapists

Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Exercise Physiologists

Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.

$58,160/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Rehabilitation Counselors

Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.

$46,110/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical Appliance Technicians

Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.

$45,820/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

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 Carroll College, approximately 18% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.