Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Saint Louis University

Four years out, graduates of comparable rehabilitation programs earn $68,462—a substantial jump from the estimated first-year figure of $35,966. This trajectory matters because many careers in this field require clinical licensure or supervised hours before full earning potential kicks in. The debt load of $26,687 sits right at the national median for these programs, meaning Saint Louis University's cost structure aligns with what you'd expect across the country.

The 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, but that's comparing borrowed amounts to what peer programs produce in year one, when many graduates are still in entry-level or training positions. The real story emerges in year four, when debt becomes less than 40% of annual earnings—a much more comfortable position. This pattern is typical for health professions that require post-graduation credentialing, where early career sacrifice leads to more stable mid-career outcomes.

For parents evaluating this investment, the key question is whether your student plans to complete the full credentialing process these careers typically require. If they're committed to becoming a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or similar licensed professional, the trajectory from $36K to $68K tracks with the field's reality. If there's uncertainty about that path, the modest first-year earnings combined with $27K in debt creates little margin for career pivots.