Analysis
Similar rehabilitation programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $36,000 for this bachelor's degree, while typical debt loads for St. Petersburg College graduates run about $25,500. That 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in workable territory—graduates would owe roughly three-quarters of their first year's salary, which is manageable compared to many health-related fields. The earnings estimate aligns with the national median for these programs, meaning St. Petersburg College appears competitively positioned even without school-specific data.
What's particularly promising here is the debt side. While other Florida schools in this field see median debt approaching $48,000, St. Petersburg College's institutional pattern suggests considerably lower borrowing. For a family watching costs, that $23,000 difference matters enormously—it could mean paying off loans in 3-4 years instead of 6-8, assuming steady employment in the field.
The caveat is real: without actual graduate outcomes from this specific program, you're banking on it performing like its peer programs elsewhere. If your child is committed to rehabilitation work and values staying close to home while keeping debt low, this looks like a reasonable path. But confirm that the program leads to the specific credentials or certifications they'll need—not all rehabilitation degrees open the same doors, and licensing requirements vary significantly within this broad field.
Where St Petersburg College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,682 | $35,966* | — | $25,474* | — | |
| $12,240 | $59,937* | — | $18,500* | 0.31 | |
| $7,358 | $57,806* | $79,325 | —* | — | |
| $33,560 | $50,473* | $64,089 | $26,250* | 0.52 | |
| $8,353 | $47,541* | — | $25,326* | 0.53 | |
| $9,315 | $43,684* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $35,966* | — | $26,250* | 0.73 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Orthotists and Prosthetists
Recreational Therapists
Exercise Physiologists
Rehabilitation Counselors
Medical Appliance Technicians
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
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 St Petersburg College, approximately 33% 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 national median of 57 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.