Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at University of the Incarnate Word

The small sample size here is crucial—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers may not represent typical outcomes. That said, the patterns demand attention: graduates start at just $22,919, placing this program in the bottom 5% nationally and well below Texas's $31,320 median for rehabilitation programs. While earnings more than double to $48,127 by year four, that first year appears financially precarious, particularly given the $24,103 debt load.

The comparison to other Texas programs is stark. Texas Woman's University graduates earn $38,339 right out of school—67% more than UIW's median—while UNT and Stephen F. Austin also significantly outperform. Even accounting for UIW's accessible admissions (93% acceptance rate, serving many Pell-eligible students), the 25th percentile state ranking suggests structural concerns with either curriculum, clinical placement networks, or the types of positions graduates initially secure.

The dramatic earnings jump suggests graduates may start in lower-tier positions before moving into better-paying roles, but that first year's finances—living on essentially $1,900 monthly before taxes—creates real hardship. Given the limited sample, request more information from the university about recent cohorts and job placement patterns. If these numbers hold across larger samples, families should compare carefully against Texas's stronger-performing programs before committing.