Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Thomas Jefferson University

Based on comparable rehabilitation programs in Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson's graduates can expect around $40,000 in first-year earnings—right at the state median and slightly above the national benchmark of $36,000. The estimated $27,000 in debt creates a manageable ratio of 0.68, meaning roughly eight months of gross salary to cover what students typically borrow. That's workable if you're entering a field with clear career progression.

The challenge is that rehabilitation and therapeutic professions at the bachelor's level often serve as stepping stones rather than endpoints. Many roles in this field—physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology—require graduate degrees for licensure and substantially higher pay. If your child plans to pursue advanced credentials, this debt becomes the foundation of a larger borrowing pyramid. However, if they're targeting positions like rehabilitation technician or therapy aide that are accessible with a bachelor's, the debt load is reasonable for the entry point.

Pennsylvania's rehabilitation programs cluster tightly around $40,000 in early earnings, so Thomas Jefferson isn't likely an outlier here. The real question is whether this bachelor's degree is the final destination or a required waystation to graduate school. If it's the latter, factor in the total cost of the educational pathway, not just this first degree.