Location: Salem, MA•In-State Tuition: $11,978•Out-of-State Tuition: $18,961•Admission Rate: 96%•Avg SAT: 1090
Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated
$36,349
Est. from MA median (5 programs)
Est. Median DebtEstimated
$25,474
Est. from national median (44 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

The estimated $25,474 debt load for Salem State's rehabilitation program—slightly below both state and national medians—offers one of the better financial profiles among Massachusetts schools in this field. Based on comparable programs across the state, first-year earnings around $36,000 put graduates right at the state median, which means this program appears to track with typical outcomes rather than lagging behind peers. The 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable initial repayment, though it's worth noting that several Massachusetts programs produce similar results.

What's harder to gauge is how Salem State specifically prepares students compared to direct competitors. The estimates come from peer programs statewide since this school's graduate sample is too small to report individually. Boston University and Assumption both show slightly higher early earnings, while UMass-Lowell comes in close to Salem State's estimated figure. The real question is whether Salem State's more accessible admission profile (96% acceptance rate, significant Pell population) connects students to the same professional networks and clinical placements that drive post-graduation outcomes.

For families prioritizing lower debt over prestige, this program looks reasonable based on state patterns. However, the lack of school-specific data means you're betting that Salem State delivers outcomes consistent with the broader Massachusetts average—a reasonable but unverified assumption.

Where Salem State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors's programs nationally

Salem State University (estimated ±10%)Other rehabilitation and therapeutic professions programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (16 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Salem State UniversitySalem$11,978$36,349*—$25,474*—
Assumption UniversityWorcester$49,414$38,094*$51,618$27,000*0.71
Boston UniversityBoston$65,168$36,705*$61,867$27,000*0.74
Berklee College of MusicBoston$50,270$36,349*—$23,750*0.65
University of Massachusetts-LowellLowell$16,570$35,605*$52,330$26,750*0.75
Lesley UniversityCambridge$32,780$28,787*$31,308$23,000*0.80
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 Salem State University, approximately 35% 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 5 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.