Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Bachelor's Degree) at Concordia University-Chicago

Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated

$35,966

Est. from national median (57 programs)

Est. Median DebtEstimated

$27,000

Est. from national median (31 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 puts this program in manageable territory, but the context matters. Based on peer programs nationally, graduates typically earn around $36,000 in their first year—a figure that trails the Illinois state median of about $37,700 for rehabilitation and therapeutic professions. With an estimated $27,000 in debt at graduation, you're looking at monthly loan payments that would consume roughly 8-10% of take-home pay on a standard repayment plan. That's workable, though not comfortable.

What's worth noting is that other Illinois programs show a range of outcomes. Aurora University's graduates earn substantially more ($41,856), while UIC's come in slightly below this program's estimated figure. Without actual data from Concordia-Chicago, it's unclear where their graduates fall in this spectrum. The school serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (45%), which suggests many families are already stretching financially to make college work.

The practical question is whether this estimated outcome justifies the investment when you can't verify the actual track record. If your child has acceptances from programs with reported data—particularly those showing stronger earnings—those provide more certainty. The fundamentals here aren't alarming, but you're making a decision with limited visibility into how this specific program actually performs.

Where Concordia University-Chicago Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (9 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Concordia University-ChicagoRiver Forest	$36,258	$35,966*	—	$27,000*	—
Aurora UniversityAurora	$28,220	$41,856*	—	$23,750*	0.57
University of Illinois ChicagoChicago	$14,338	$33,530*	—	$16,666*	0.50
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 Concordia University-Chicago, approximately 45% 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 national median of 57 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.