Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at University of Georgia

Based on comparable programs nationwide, University of Georgia's rehabilitation bachelor's likely produces first-year earnings around $36,000—a figure that aligns with national medians but notably exceeds what's typical in Georgia, where similar programs average $28,360. The estimated debt load of $25,474 creates a manageable 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly 8-9 months of their first-year income.

What's less clear is why UGA's outcomes would mirror national rather than state patterns. Georgia's rehabilitation programs typically produce lower earnings, as seen in Georgia Southern's reported $28,360 median. UGA's selectivity and stronger academic profile (37% admission rate, 1301 SAT average) might explain some premium, but without school-specific data, parents should recognize this is speculative. The field itself tends toward modest starting salaries regardless of institution, and rehabilitation professions often require additional certifications or graduate degrees to reach higher earning potential.

The modest debt burden makes this a relatively low-risk investment if your child is committed to the field. However, confirm what specific career path this degree supports—some rehabilitation specialties require master's-level training, which would mean additional years of school and potentially more debt before reaching professional earning capacity. The estimation uncertainty here matters less than understanding the full credential requirements for your child's intended career.