Analysis
New Jersey's rehabilitation and therapeutic professions programs show wide variation, making this Kean estimate particularly hard to evaluate. Based on national peer programs, graduates might expect around $36,000 in first-year earnings—modest for a four-year degree, though slightly above the salary floor where federal loan payments would be manageable. The estimated $25,000 debt load falls just below the national median for these programs and translates to a 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio, suggesting monthly loan payments around 7% of gross income under standard repayment plans.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With only five schools in New Jersey offering this bachelor's and no local programs reporting outcomes data publicly, it's impossible to know whether Kean's program performs at the state's top tier or bottom. Rehabilitation fields typically require additional credentials or specialization to reach higher earning potential—athletic training certifications, occupational therapy prerequisites, or substance abuse counseling licenses. If this bachelor's serves primarily as a stepping stone to graduate school, the debt becomes part of a larger calculation. If it's meant as a terminal degree, these earnings may limit geographic mobility and career flexibility.
For families eyeing this program, the essential question is what comes after graduation. If your student has a clear path to licensure or graduate education that will boost earnings, these estimates suggest a reasonable foundation. Without that plan, you're making a significant financial commitment based on indirect data and hope.
Where Kean 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,426 | $35,966* | — | $25,474* | — | |
| $12,240 | $59,937* | — | $18,500* | 0.31 | |
| $7,358 | $57,806* | $79,325 | —* | — | |
| $33,560 | $50,473* | $64,089 | $26,250* | 0.52 | |
| $8,353 | $47,541* | — | $25,326* | 0.53 | |
| $9,315 | $43,684* | — | —* | — | |
| 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 Kean University, approximately 46% 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.