Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

UW-La Crosse graduates enter rehab therapy careers earning $41,370—roughly $5,000 above both the national and Wisconsin medians for this field. That's a meaningful edge in a profession where starting salaries cluster tightly, and it lands this program in the 87th percentile nationally. Just as importantly, graduates carry just $21,374 in debt, about $4,000 less than typical programs. That 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio means students can realistically pay down loans within two years of full-time work.

The 60th percentile ranking within Wisconsin reveals an interesting dynamic: UW-La Crosse sits solidly in the middle tier among state programs, yet still outperforms most national alternatives. With only 13 Wisconsin schools offering this degree, the in-state competition is limited, and La Crosse holds its own against flagship Madison. Earnings growth to $50,331 by year four—a 22% bump—suggests graduates are advancing into supervisory roles or specialized certifications that command better pay.

For families weighing rehab therapy programs, this delivers unusually strong economics. The combination of above-average starting earnings and below-average debt creates immediate financial breathing room that many healthcare-adjacent programs don't offer. With La Crosse's accessible 73% admission rate, this represents one of the clearer value propositions in therapeutic professions.