Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,966
Est. from OH median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,323
Est. from OH median (3 programs)

Analysis

Similar rehabilitation programs across Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $36,000, which matches the national median for this field but leaves limited financial breathing room when paired with an estimated $26,300 in debt. That 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would be carrying roughly nine months of their annual salary in student loans—manageable compared to many healthcare programs, but tight for someone entering a helping profession where salaries don't typically surge in early years.

What makes this estimate particularly uncertain is that it's drawn from just three comparable programs statewide. The University of Toledo's graduates earn about $1,600 more than this baseline, while Akron's earn about $4,200 less, showing meaningful variation even among Ohio's public universities. The relatively low Pell enrollment at Ohio University-Southern (just 12%) suggests students here may have more family financial support to cushion the transition into this income range.

For a parent weighing this investment, the core question is whether your child has clear employment lined up in rehabilitation services. These programs typically feed into roles like rehab technician or therapy assistant—stable positions, but not ones where earnings grow dramatically. If your student is borrowing the full estimated amount and doesn't have specific job prospects or plans for further credentials, comparable programs at other Ohio schools might offer better placement support or networking. Given the limited data, visiting the campus to ask directly about graduate outcomes and employer connections would be essential before committing.

Where Ohio University-Southern 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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Ohio University-Southern CampusIronton$6,178$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 University-Southern Campus, approximately 12% 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.