Analysis
Based on similar programs nationwide, this bachelor's degree appears positioned right at the national median—around $36,000 in first-year earnings against roughly $25,500 in debt. That 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, but it's worth understanding what "rehabilitation and therapeutic professions" actually means here, since the field spans everything from recreational therapy to specialized rehabilitation counseling, and career trajectories vary widely depending on licensure requirements and graduate school plans.
Indiana's rehabilitation therapy programs cluster tightly around $34,000-$35,000 in early earnings, so Purdue Fort Wayne's estimated outcomes track closely with state norms. The question is whether this bachelor's degree serves as a terminal credential or a stepping stone. Many rehabilitation specialties require master's-level training for licensure and better compensation, which means this debt figure could be just the beginning. If your student plans to stop at the bachelor's level, those mid-$30,000s earnings are modest but workable with $25,000 in loans.
Before committing, pin down exactly which rehabilitation specialty this program targets and whether it leads directly to employment or is designed as pre-professional preparation. The debt load is reasonable if this degree gets your student working immediately in their field, but becomes less attractive if it's merely foundation coursework for another 2-3 years of graduate study and additional borrowing.
Where Purdue University Fort Wayne Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,254 | $35,966* | — | $25,474* | — | |
| $31,168 | $34,418* | — | $25,606* | 0.74 | |
| 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 Purdue University Fort Wayne, approximately 23% 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.