Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Bachelor's Degree) at Oakwood University

Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated

$35,966

Est. from national median (57 programs)

Est. Median DebtEstimated

$27,000

Est. from national median (31 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

A 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio—$27,000 in debt for first-year earnings around $36,000—looks manageable on paper, but these estimates warrant caution since they're drawn from peer programs rather than Oakwood's actual graduate outcomes. The national benchmark suggests $36,000 as typical for rehabilitation bachelor's programs, though Alabama's own median sits considerably lower at $26,500. Whether Oakwood's graduates track closer to national norms or state outcomes makes a substantial difference in affordability.

The debt estimate comes from similar Oakwood programs rather than rehabilitation specifically, which adds uncertainty. If actual outcomes lean toward Alabama's lower earning pattern while debt remains near $27,000, monthly loan payments could consume a larger share of take-home pay than the ratio suggests. Rehabilitation fields often require additional certifications or graduate credentials for career advancement, potentially delaying earnings growth and making that initial debt load more consequential than for programs with immediate earning potential.

Without program-specific data, you're making a decision based on reasonable assumptions rather than demonstrated results. If your child is committed to rehabilitation work and Oakwood offers strong clinical training opportunities or professional connections in this field, the investment could work—but confirm what percentage of graduates secure relevant jobs and whether those positions typically require further education before accepting anything on faith.

Where Oakwood University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (4 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Oakwood UniversityHuntsville	$21,838	$35,966*	—	$27,000*	—
Troy UniversityTroy	$9,792	$30,184*	—	$29,500*	0.98
Alabama State UniversityMontgomery	$11,248	$22,847*	$37,793	$33,000*	1.44
National Median	—	$35,966*	—	$26,250*	0.73

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates

Physical Therapists

Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

$101,020/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Occupational Therapists

Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.

$98,340/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists

Provide therapy to patients with visual impairments to improve their functioning in daily life activities. May train patients in activities such as computer use, communication skills, or home management skills.

$98,340/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.

$78,310/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Recreational Therapists

Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Exercise Physiologists

Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.

$58,160/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Rehabilitation Counselors

Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.

$46,110/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical Appliance Technicians

Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.

$45,820/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

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 Oakwood University, approximately 47% 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.