Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Nova Southeastern University

The debt-to-earnings ratio here tells an encouraging story, even through the lens of estimation. Based on outcomes from similar rehabilitation programs nationally, graduates typically start around $36,000 while carrying approximately $27,000 in loans—a 0.75 ratio that suggests manageable repayment. This estimated debt figure also runs significantly lower than Florida's state median of $48,178 for these programs, which matters in a field where many professionals pursue additional credentials or licensure after their bachelor's degree.

What deserves attention is the ceiling on these early earnings. Peer programs nationally show that even top performers reach only about $40,000 in their first year, and rehabilitation fields often require graduate work for the highest-paying positions. If your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level, that $36,000 trajectory represents the reality rather than a starting point that rapidly escalates. The field rewards further education, which means potentially adding more debt to reach higher earning potential.

The practical calculation: this estimated debt load appears serviceable for someone committed to the rehabilitation field, particularly compared to what other Florida programs typically require students to borrow. But confirm whether your child's specific career goal—physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology—actually requires a graduate degree. If so, treat this bachelor's as step one of a longer investment, not the complete credential.