Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern's rehabilitation program shows a dramatic earnings trajectory that tells two different stories depending on when you measure. That first-year figure of $28,360 ranks in just the 14th percentile nationally—well below the $35,966 national median—but by year four, graduates see their income more than double to $64,203. This 126% growth rate suggests graduates may be entering positions that require additional certification or clinical hours before reaching full earning potential.

Within Georgia, the picture is more nuanced. This program actually performs at the 60th percentile among the state's seven rehabilitation programs, meaning it's above the state median despite lagging nationally. The $24,700 debt load is manageable relative to that eventual four-year income, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 that should be comfortable once graduates establish themselves professionally.

The major caveat here is the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset. These numbers could shift considerably with a larger cohort. Still, if your child is willing to work through a challenging first year or two in the field, potentially at entry-level or transitional positions, the longer-term outlook appears solid. Just recognize they may need financial support or a flexible budget during that initial period when earnings are relatively modest.