Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

UW-Milwaukee's rehabilitation program starts rough but rewards patience. That $30,561 first-year salary ranks in just the 25th percentile both nationally and among Wisconsin programs—about $6,000 below what graduates earn at UW-La Crosse. But here's the twist: by year four, earnings jump 67% to $51,056, vaulting past every comparable program in Wisconsin. That trajectory suggests graduates are entering the field in support roles or assistant positions before moving into higher-paying therapeutic work.

The $26,500 debt load sits near both state and national medians, making the initial 0.87 debt-to-earnings ratio manageable if you can weather those first years. Within Wisconsin's 13 programs, this represents middle-of-the-pack borrowing for bottom-quartile starting pay—not ideal, but the four-year earnings surge changes the calculation significantly.

The critical question: can your family financially support those early career years? If so, this program delivers strong mid-career outcomes that outpace pricier alternatives. If immediate earnings matter—perhaps to start loan repayment right away—UW-La Crosse or UW-Stout offer $6,000-11,000 more at graduation without the wait. The 88% admission rate and accessible price point make UW-Milwaukee a solid option for students confident they'll stick with the field long enough to reach those higher earnings.