Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Southern University and A & M College

Southern University's rehabilitation program presents a challenging tradeoff: strong performance among Louisiana options but concerning debt levels that require serious financial planning. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings within Louisiana—matching the state median of $30,636—graduates carry $38,000 in debt, putting them in the 95th percentile nationally for borrowing. That 1.24 debt-to-earnings ratio means first-year graduates owe more than their entire annual salary, which will strain loan repayment even on income-driven plans.

The positive news is that earnings do grow meaningfully, reaching $35,528 by year four—a 16% increase that brings graduates closer to the national median. For families where Southern University's accessibility (65% of students receive Pell grants) makes it a realistic path into healthcare careers, this program can work. However, the debt burden is serious: borrowing $38,000 is typical for this program in Louisiana, but it's 45% above the national median for rehabilitation professions nationwide.

If your child can reduce borrowing through scholarships, working during school, or living at home, this program becomes much more viable. At full debt load, plan on tight finances during the early career years. The field does offer stable employment, but the math works better if you can trim that $38,000 debt figure down considerably before graduation.