Analysis
Based on comparable programs across New York, Pace's rehabilitation and therapeutic professions degree comes with an estimated $27,000 in debt—a manageable figure for healthcare-related fields. The challenging part is the estimated first-year earnings of $39,739, which positions this program right at the state median but well below top-performers like CUNY York College ($57,806) and D'Youville University ($50,473). For a private university charging enough to generate that debt load, you'd hope to see earnings closer to those higher benchmarks.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 suggests graduates could manage loan payments on an entry-level salary, with debt representing about eight months of gross income. That's within reasonable bounds for a bachelor's degree. However, the field itself shows significant variation—peer programs in New York produce outcomes ranging from under $40,000 to nearly $60,000 in first-year earnings. This spread matters because rehabilitation professions often require additional certifications or graduate credentials to reach higher earning potential, meaning this bachelor's degree may be just the beginning of educational costs.
The key question is whether Pace's specific program offers advantages—clinical partnerships, certification preparation, or employment pipelines—that justify its position in the middle of the pack. Without actual outcome data for Pace graduates specifically, you're relying on state averages that may or may not reflect this school's particular strengths or weaknesses in placing students.
Where Pace University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $51,424 | $39,739* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $7,358 | $57,806* | $79,325 | —* | — | |
| $33,560 | $50,473* | $64,089 | $26,250* | 0.52 | |
| $8,815 | $40,853* | $46,350 | $27,000* | 0.66 | |
| $40,880 | $39,739* | — | $27,000* | 0.68 | |
| $24,308 | $39,478* | — | $27,000* | 0.68 | |
| National Median | — | $35,966* | — | $26,250* | 0.73 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Orthotists and Prosthetists
Recreational Therapists
Exercise Physiologists
Rehabilitation Counselors
Medical Appliance Technicians
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
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 Pace University, approximately 27% 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 7 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.