Analysis
Based on comparable rehabilitation programs in Pennsylvania, Cedar Crest's outcomes appear roughly aligned with state norms, though several factors complicate the picture. The estimated $40,000 first-year earnings match the PA median exactly, while the $27,000 debt burden sits at the state median for similar private institutions. That 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates would dedicate about two-thirds of their first year's salary to loan repayment—manageable but requiring discipline.
What's harder to gauge is trajectory. Rehabilitation fields often require additional certifications or graduate degrees to unlock higher earning potential, meaning these bachelor's-level figures may represent an intermediate step rather than a career endpoint. The estimated earnings do slightly edge out the national median ($35,966), suggesting Pennsylvania's healthcare market may offer some regional advantage. However, with Cedar Crest's 99% admission rate and modest academic profile, it's worth considering whether similar outcomes might be achievable at public alternatives like Slippery Rock ($41,797 reported) or Temple ($40,085 reported), potentially with lower debt.
The core challenge here is uncertainty: these estimates come from just four peer programs statewide, and without actual graduate outcomes from Cedar Crest, you're investing based on what similar programs typically produce rather than what this specific program delivers. If your child is committed to rehabilitation professions and values Cedar Crest's environment, the numbers don't scream disaster—but confirm what career paths actually require which credentials before committing to private school tuition.
Where Cedar Crest College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,934 | $39,961* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $10,507 | $41,797* | $38,020 | $27,000* | 0.65 | |
| $22,082 | $40,085* | $45,785 | $27,000* | 0.67 | |
| $14,620 | $39,836* | $62,239 | $25,474* | 0.64 | |
| $21,524 | $39,836* | $62,239 | $25,474* | 0.64 | |
| 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 Cedar Crest College, approximately 39% 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 4 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.