Analysis
Peer programs nationwide suggest first-year earnings around $36,000 for this bachelor's degree—a modest start that fortunately improves substantially to nearly $67,000 by year four. That four-year jump is significant in rehabilitation fields, where entry-level positions often lead to clinical roles requiring supervised hours before full credentialing. The estimated debt of roughly $25,500 translates to a manageable 0.71 ratio against first-year earnings, meaning graduates would owe about 70% of their initial salary—reasonable by most standards, though the early years will likely feel tight financially.
What's harder to assess here is how University of Kansas specifically prepares students compared to the 273 programs nationwide offering this degree. The suppressed data suggests a small graduating cohort, which could mean either a highly specialized program or one still building enrollment. The university's 88% admission rate and modest selectivity don't necessarily signal program quality in allied health fields, where clinical training matters more than entrance requirements. Kansas offers only four such programs statewide, so local competition is limited.
Given the estimates, this appears viable if your child has clear career goals in rehabilitation therapy—the earnings trajectory suggests professional growth opportunities. However, before committing, verify what specific licensure or certification this program leads to, since "rehabilitation professions" is broad and outcomes vary dramatically between exercise science, recreational therapy, and clinical rehabilitation counseling paths.
Where University of Kansas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas | — | $66,630 | — |
| CUNY York College | $57,806 | $79,325 | +37% |
| Georgia Southern University | $28,360 | $64,203 | +126% |
| D'Youville University | $50,473 | $64,089 | +27% |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | $7,725 | $63,484 | +722% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,700 | $35,966* | $66,630 | $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 University of Kansas, approximately 20% 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.