Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Cleveland State University

Cleveland State's rehabilitation program sits right at the state and national median when looking at comparable programs—estimated first-year earnings of $36,000 against roughly $26,000 in debt. That 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates would devote about nine months of their first year's salary to covering what they borrowed, which is manageable but not exactly generous for a four-year degree in a helping profession.

The concerning part is that similar programs across Ohio show limited earnings growth. When University of Toledo graduates earn just $1,600 more and University of Akron's come in nearly $4,000 lower, you're looking at a field where bachelor's-level credentials may hit a ceiling quickly. Many rehabilitation roles require additional credentials or graduate degrees to advance meaningfully, which means this debt load could be just the beginning of educational expenses.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level or continue on to specialized certifications or a master's degree. If this is a stepping stone to further training, factor in those additional costs now. If the plan is to work immediately after graduation, understand that $36,000 represents a realistic starting point in Ohio's rehabilitation sector—enough to manage the debt, but tight enough that geographic flexibility or willingness to pursue additional credentials may determine longer-term financial comfort.