Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Bachelor's Degree) at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$35,966

Est. from OH median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$26,323

Est. from OH median (3 programs)

Analysis

Ohio State's rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelor's rarely reports outcomes data to the Department of Education due to small cohort sizes, but comparable programs in Ohio suggest graduates start around $36,000 with roughly $26,300 in debt. That 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio sits right at the national median for this field—neither exceptional nor alarming. However, these first-year figures mask an important reality: many rehabilitation careers require graduate degrees for full licensure, meaning this bachelor's may be a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential. If your child plans to continue to a master's program in occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech-language pathology, factor in the additional debt they'll accumulate.

The modest starting salary becomes more manageable when you consider Ohio State's relative affordability and the field's trajectory. Similar programs across the state show fairly consistent outcomes, with Ohio State sitting in the middle of the pack based on peer data. The real question is whether this degree leads directly to employment or serves as prerequisite coursework for graduate school. If it's the latter, you'll want to understand the total educational investment required—potentially six years and significantly more debt—before your child reaches their intended career.

The safe bet here is treating this as part one of a longer educational journey. Contact the program directly to ask what percentage of graduates proceed to graduate school versus entering the workforce immediately, as that answer fundamentally changes the value calculation.

Where Ohio State University-Main Campus Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (23 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus	$12,859	$35,966*	—	$26,323*	—
University of ToledoToledo	$12,377	$37,554*	$40,733	$24,875*	0.66
Wright State University-Main CampusDayton	$11,188	$35,966*	$37,095	$30,000*	0.83
University of Akron Main CampusAkron	$12,799	$31,765*	$48,443	$26,323*	0.83
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 Ohio State University-Main Campus, approximately 19% 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 median of 3 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.