Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Shawnee State University

Based on comparable rehabilitation programs in Ohio, Shawnee State's graduates likely earn around $36,000 in their first year—right at the state and national median for this field. The estimated $26,300 in debt produces a manageable 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe less than a year's salary. This aligns closely with typical outcomes across the state's 23 rehabilitation programs, where first-year earnings cluster tightly between $32,000 and $38,000.

The challenge with rehabilitation professions at the bachelor's level is that many positions in this field require graduate credentials to unlock higher salaries. Programs like University of Toledo show slightly better initial earnings, but the differences are modest—suggesting that entry-level roles are fairly standardized across Ohio schools. For students planning to continue to graduate school, racking up $26,000 in undergraduate debt before taking on more for an advanced degree deserves careful financial planning.

For families considering this path, the key question is what specific career your student is targeting. If they're planning to become a physical therapist or occupational therapist (which require graduate degrees), this bachelor's program serves as a stepping stone—but the total educational investment extends well beyond these figures. If they're aiming for bachelor's-level positions like rehabilitation technicians, these estimated outcomes suggest a workable if modest start, though career growth may require additional credentials down the road.