Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Mars Hill University

With first-year earnings estimated around $35,000 and debt of $27,000, this rehabilitation program mirrors what's typical across North Carolina—but that average hides significant variation. Similar programs in the state range from $31,400 at Winston-Salem State to nearly $39,400 at UNC Wilmington, a $8,000 spread that matters when you're making loan payments on an entry-level salary. The 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory, but just barely for a helping profession known for modest starting pay.

What complicates the picture here is that both the earnings and debt figures come from peer programs rather than Mars Hill's actual graduates, so there's uncertainty on both sides of the equation. The national data suggests rehabilitation programs typically produce $36,000 first-year earners with $26,250 in debt—numbers that align closely with these estimates—but individual schools can deviate substantially based on their clinical partnerships, licensure pass rates, and whether graduates pursue immediate employment versus advanced credentials.

For families weighing this path, the key question is whether Mars Hill's specific program features—clinical placements, faculty connections, career support—justify taking on near-median debt when other NC programs might offer better value. Before committing, verify what percentage of graduates secure employment in their field within six months and whether the program supports pathways to higher-paying specializations that could improve the return on this investment.