Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock's rehabilitation program launches graduates at $41,797—outperforming 90% of similar programs nationwide and sitting comfortably above both the national median ($35,966) and Pennsylvania's state average ($39,960). The $27,000 debt load matches the state median exactly and runs lower than 75% of comparable programs nationally, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65.

The concerning element here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see a 9% decline by year four, dropping to $38,020. This backward movement is unusual for healthcare-adjacent fields and suggests graduates may be entering roles with limited advancement potential or experiencing turnover into lower-paying positions. Even with this decline, fourth-year earnings still exceed the national median, but it's a pattern worth understanding before enrollment.

For families weighing this program, the upfront value is solid—you're getting above-average earning power at below-average cost. The key question is why earnings don't grow. If your student plans to pursue graduate work in physical therapy or occupational therapy (common pathways in rehabilitation fields), this bachelor's degree serves as an affordable launching pad. If the bachelor's is the endpoint, dig into what specific roles alumni are filling and whether those positions offer stability even if they don't offer growth.