Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Mount Saint Mary's University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 signals manageable financial footing for this rehabilitation program, though the details reveal some concerning gaps. Similar programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $36,000 and debt near $27,000—both reasonable figures on their surface. But peer programs in California typically carry just $12,800 in debt while producing similar or slightly lower earnings, meaning students at Mount Saint Mary's may be borrowing roughly twice what their California counterparts do for comparable career preparation.

The program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (55%), which makes the debt picture particularly important. While $27,000 isn't catastrophic debt, rehabilitation professionals often need additional credentials or graduate training to advance in their careers. Starting with moderate undergraduate debt limits flexibility for further education. The fact that both earnings and debt figures here are estimates—drawn from similar programs because Mount Saint Mary's cohorts are too small to report—also means parents can't verify whether this specific program is beating or trailing those benchmarks.

For families considering this investment, the key question is whether the program justifies roughly double the typical California debt load. If Mount Saint Mary's provides distinct advantages—clinical placement networks, faculty connections, or specialized training that accelerates career entry—the premium might make sense. Without that clarity, California families should closely examine what other in-state rehabilitation programs offer at significantly lower borrowing levels.