Analysis
Similar rehabilitation programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $36,000, which lands squarely at the state and national median for this field. The estimated $27,000 debt load creates a 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio—within reasonable bounds for a bachelor's degree. For comparison, graduates from the University of Toledo's program earn about $37,500, while Akron's come in closer to $32,000, showing the typical range across Ohio.
The challenge with rehabilitation and therapeutic professions at the bachelor's level is that many careers in this field require additional certification or graduate work to reach higher earning potential. Physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy aides, and rehabilitation counselors often need specialized credentials beyond the bachelor's degree. That $36,000 starting point may represent an entry-level position while your child pursues further training, or it could be the ceiling if they stop at the bachelor's level.
For families considering this program, the key question is career trajectory. If your child plans to use this degree as a stepping stone to graduate school in occupational or physical therapy, understand that more debt is likely coming. If they're planning to enter the workforce directly, research specific job titles and salary ranges in your target geographic area—the broad "rehabilitation professions" category masks significant variation in actual career outcomes.
Where University of Rio Grande Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,560 | $35,966* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $12,377 | $37,554* | $40,733 | $24,875* | 0.66 | |
| $11,188 | $35,966* | $37,095 | $30,000* | 0.83 | |
| $12,799 | $31,765* | $48,443 | $26,323* | 0.83 | |
| 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 Rio Grande, approximately 36% 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 median of 3 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.