Analysis
At $27,000 in debt, this program sits right at the national median for rehabilitation majors, but the debt-to-earnings ratio tells a more nuanced story. Based on comparable programs across Wisconsin, first-year earnings typically land around $36,000—putting graduates in a manageable position with debt equal to about three-quarters of their first-year salary. That's substantially better than many bachelor's programs, though it's worth noting these figures come from five similar programs statewide rather than Edgewood's specific outcomes.
The competitive landscape in Wisconsin matters here. UW-La Crosse graduates in this field earn notably more at $41,000, while UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee trend lower despite their name recognition. Edgewood appears positioned in the middle of the pack, matching the state median. For a school with a 95% admission rate, this represents solid alignment between accessibility and outcomes—students aren't paying premium debt for entry-level results.
The practical takeaway: if your child is committed to rehabilitation professions and Edgewood offers the specific program focus they want, the estimated debt burden shouldn't be a dealbreaker. The field doesn't produce spectacular early earnings anywhere, but the debt load here is proportional to what graduates typically make. Just recognize you're working with estimated figures—ask Edgewood directly about their graduate outcomes and whether their specific program tracks lead to the higher-earning trajectory you see at La Crosse or cluster with the state average.
Where Edgewood College 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,850 | $36,361* | — | $27,000 | — | |
| $9,651 | $41,370* | $50,331 | $21,374 | 0.52 | |
| $10,142 | $36,736* | $50,184 | $25,000 | 0.68 | |
| $32,794 | $36,361* | — | — | — | |
| $11,205 | $32,049* | $55,568 | $23,982 | 0.75 | |
| $10,020 | $30,561* | $51,056 | $26,500 | 0.87 | |
| 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 Edgewood College, approximately 23% 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.