Location: La Crosse, WI•In-State Tuition: $9,651•Out-of-State Tuition: $18,691•Admission Rate: 73%•Avg SAT: 1190
Median Earnings (1yr)
$41,370
87th percentile
60th percentile in Wisconsin
Median Debt
$21,374
19% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.52 ManageableSample: 73 graduates

Analysis

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.

Where University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors's programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-La CrosseOther rehabilitation and therapeutic professions programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse earns $41k — 87th percentile among rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse$41,370$50,331+22%
CUNY York College$57,806$79,325+37%
University of Wisconsin-Madison$32,049$55,568+73%
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee$30,561$51,056+67%
University of Wisconsin-Stout$36,736$50,184+37%

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (13 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-La CrosseLa Crosse$9,651$41,370$50,331$21,3740.52
University of Wisconsin-StoutMenomonie$10,142$36,736$50,184$25,0000.68
Alverno CollegeMilwaukee$32,794$36,361———
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison$11,205$32,049$55,568$23,9820.75
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee$10,020$30,561$51,056$26,5000.87
National Median—$35,966—$26,2500.73

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates

Physical Therapists

Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

$101,020/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Occupational Therapists

Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.

$98,340/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists

Provide therapy to patients with visual impairments to improve their functioning in daily life activities. May train patients in activities such as computer use, communication skills, or home management skills.

$98,340/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.

$78,310/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Recreational Therapists

Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Exercise Physiologists

Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.

$58,160/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Rehabilitation Counselors

Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.

$46,110/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical Appliance Technicians

Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.

$45,820/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

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 Wisconsin-La Crosse, approximately 14% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 73 graduates with reported earnings and 88 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.