Location: Milwaukee, WI•In-State Tuition: $10,020•Out-of-State Tuition: $22,020•Admission Rate: 88%•Avg SAT: 1090
Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,561
25th percentile
Median Debt
$26,500
1% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.87 ManageableSample: 33 graduates

Analysis

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.

Where University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Stands

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

University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeOther rehabilitation and therapeutic professions programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee earns $31k — 25th 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-Milwaukee$30,561$51,056+67%
CUNY York College$57,806$79,325+37%
University of Wisconsin-Madison$32,049$55,568+73%
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse$41,370$50,331+22%
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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee$10,020$30,561$51,056$26,5000.87
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
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-Milwaukee, approximately 30% 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 33 graduates with reported earnings and 68 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.