Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,966
Est. from national median (57 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from national median (31 programs)

Analysis

Rehabilitation programs in California show considerable variation, and Fresno Pacific's estimated outcomes reflect this uncertainty. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates can expect around $36,000 in first-year earnings with roughly $27,000 in debtβ€”a ratio that's manageable but not remarkable. What's concerning is that similar California programs typically produce lower earnings (around $33,000) while carrying far less debt (median of just $12,800). If Fresno Pacific's actual outcomes align more with state peers than national ones, the debt burden becomes harder to justify.

The program serves a predominantly working-class population (59% receive Pell grants), which makes the debt load particularly significant. In rehabilitation fields, many graduates pursue additional licensure or graduate education, meaning this bachelor's degree may be just the first financial hurdle rather than a complete career credential. The 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable on paper, but it assumes the national earnings estimate holds trueβ€”a big "if" given that the state's only program with reported data shows earnings about 10% lower.

For families considering this investment, the key question is whether Fresno Pacific provides enough value beyond what Cal State LA delivers for less debt. Without actual graduate outcomes from this specific program, you're betting on uncertain returns. If your child needs immediate employment after graduation rather than further schooling, investigate how Fresno Pacific's career services and clinical placement networks stack up against more affordable state options.

Where Fresno Pacific University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (8 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Fresno Pacific UniversityFresno$35,558$35,966*β€”$27,000*β€”
California State University-Los AngelesLos Angeles$6,813$32,805*$41,692$12,812*0.39
National Medianβ€”$35,966*β€”$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 Fresno Pacific University, approximately 59% 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.