Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Bachelor's Degree) at Carroll University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$36,361

Est. from WI median (5 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$27,000

Est. from WI median (3 programs)

Analysis

A $27,000 debt load for first-year earnings around $36,300—the typical picture for Wisconsin rehabilitation programs—produces a manageable 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio that falls within reasonable bounds for healthcare-adjacent fields. Based on comparable programs across Wisconsin, this estimated starting salary aligns almost exactly with both state and national medians for bachelor's-level rehabilitation professions, suggesting Carroll's program likely delivers outcomes consistent with its peer institutions.

The real question is whether these figures reflect entry-level positions or the field's earning trajectory. Rehabilitation careers often require additional credentials or graduate education to reach higher salary tiers, meaning this bachelor's degree may function more as a foundation than a terminal credential. UW-La Crosse graduates earn roughly $5,000 more in their first year, though whether that gap persists or reflects different specialization paths within the broad rehabilitation field remains unclear.

For families evaluating this investment, the debt burden appears reasonable relative to expected earnings, but recognize you're working from estimates drawn from peer programs rather than Carroll-specific outcomes. If your child plans to pursue graduate work in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or similar fields—which many rehabilitation students do—factor in both additional time and debt before reaching full earning potential. The bachelor's alone provides entry to the field, but career advancement typically demands more.

Where Carroll University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (13 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Carroll UniversityWaukesha	$37,230	$36,361*	—	$27,000*	—
University of Wisconsin-La CrosseLa Crosse	$9,651	$41,370*	$50,331	$21,374*	0.52
University of Wisconsin-StoutMenomonie	$10,142	$36,736*	$50,184	$25,000*	0.68
Alverno CollegeMilwaukee	$32,794	$36,361*	—	—*	—
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison	$11,205	$32,049*	$55,568	$23,982*	0.75
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee	$10,020	$30,561*	$51,056	$26,500*	0.87
National Median	—	$35,966*	—	$26,250*	0.73

* Estimated from similar programs

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 University, approximately 22% 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 5 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.