Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Is $27,000 in student debt reasonable for a degree that yields around $36,000 in first-year earnings? Based on comparable rehabilitation programs nationally, that's the question facing families considering Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 sits in acceptable territory—lower than one year's salary is generally manageable—but the starting salary itself demands scrutiny.

Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions programs typically produce graduates earning in the mid-$30,000s in their first year, which means Saint Mary's aligns with national norms. However, this field often requires additional certification or graduate education for meaningful career advancement, which could mean more debt down the road. The national data suggests this is an entry point rather than a destination credential, with the 75th percentile still under $40,000. That matters for families calculating total investment versus long-term return.

The real concern is whether this bachelor's degree alone provides sufficient earning power or serves primarily as a stepping stone. If your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level and enter the workforce immediately, that $36,000 starting salary—while manageable given the debt load—leaves little room for financial surprises. If they'll need a master's degree to reach their career goals, factor that additional cost into your planning now rather than later.