Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Bachelor's Degree) at East Tennessee State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$35,966

Est. from national median (57 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,474

Est. from national median (44 programs)

Analysis

Is a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation worth $25,000 in debt when first-year earnings hover around $36,000? Based on comparable programs nationwide, East Tennessee State's rehabilitation and therapeutic professions degree tracks closely with national norms—both in what graduates earn and what they owe. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 suggests manageable repayment, with debt sitting slightly below the national median for these programs. That said, the $36,000 starting salary reflects the modest pay scales common across rehabilitation fields, which often require additional credentials or licensure to advance.

Tennessee offers seven programs in this field, but without reported outcomes from peer schools in the state, it's harder to gauge whether ETSU's program is competitive locally or simply average. The national data suggests consistency: most rehabilitation bachelor's programs produce similar financial outcomes, which may reflect licensing requirements and standardized career paths more than program quality. For students planning to pursue graduate work or specialized certifications—common in this field—the undergraduate debt load becomes more significant as additional borrowing stacks up.

The practical takeaway: this program appears financially viable if your child plans to enter the workforce immediately and can live on a modest starting salary. If graduate school is likely, factor in how this debt will compound with future borrowing before committing to this path.

Where East Tennessee State University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City	$9,950	$35,966*	—	$25,474*	—
Saginaw Valley State UniversityUniversity Center	$12,240	$59,937*	—	$18,500*	0.31
CUNY York CollegeJamaica	$7,358	$57,806*	$79,325	—*	—
D'Youville UniversityBuffalo	$33,560	$50,473*	$64,089	$26,250*	0.52
Eastern Washington UniversityCheney	$8,353	$47,541*	—	$25,326*	0.53
University of UtahSalt Lake City	$9,315	$43,684*	—	—*	—
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 East Tennessee State University, approximately 35% 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.