Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at The University of Montana

Montana's rehabilitation and therapeutic professions programs show unusually wide variation in outcomes, with similar programs in the state starting as low as $22,319 in first-year earnings. The University of Montana's estimated figures—around $36,000 initially—align with national peer programs rather than state averages, suggesting a potentially stronger starting position. However, these estimates are drawn from comparable programs nationwide since this specific program's graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes.

The estimated debt load of about $25,500 produces a manageable 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first-year salary. What makes this program more intriguing is the four-year earnings figure of $60,160—a substantial jump that suggests meaningful career progression. If the estimated starting salary proves accurate, this trajectory would represent a 67% increase within four years, which is strong growth for a bachelor's-level health profession.

The practical challenge is that you're making an investment decision based on national patterns rather than this program's track record. The wide gulf between state and national figures for rehabilitation programs means outcomes could swing dramatically depending on specialty area, clinical placement networks, and local healthcare market dynamics. If your child is committed to staying in Montana after graduation, verify whether this program's specific focus and connections justify the higher estimated starting point—or whether those figures reflect out-of-state opportunities that may not materialize locally.