Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

UTRGV's rehabilitation program starts graduates at just under $29,000—about $2,500 below even the Texas median and landing in the 16th percentile nationally. But here's what matters for Rio Grande Valley families: that low debt load of $16,014 means graduates leave with roughly 40% less debt than the Texas average, and the program shows strong earning momentum with income climbing to nearly $40,000 by year four.

The real question is whether starting 60% lower than the highest-earning Texas program (Texas Woman's University at $38,339) makes sense when you're essentially catching up during those first four years rather than getting ahead. For students from this region—where 64% receive Pell grants—the minimal debt matters tremendously, and the trajectory suggests these graduates are finding better positions as they gain experience. By year four, they're earning more than graduates from University of the Incarnate Word earn at any point.

This program works for families who need to minimize upfront costs and are banking on their student's ability to advance quickly in the field. The 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio means the initial financial burden is manageable, even with that below-average starting salary. Just understand you're choosing growth potential over immediate earning power—a reasonable trade-off if staying debt-light is the priority.