Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Bachelor's Degree) at West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$39,961

Est. from PA median (4 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$27,000

Est. from PA median (5 programs)

Analysis

Four similar bachelor's programs in Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $40,000 for rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates—placing this field right at the state median but slightly above the national benchmark of $36,000. With an estimated $27,000 in debt, West Chester's graduates would face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68, meaning they'd owe about eight months of their first year's salary. That's manageable compared to many healthcare-adjacent fields, though not exceptional.

The challenge with rehabilitation professions is that many roles require graduate credentials for full licensure and competitive salaries. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists all need master's degrees or doctorates to practice independently. If your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level, they'll likely work as an aide or assistant—which aligns with these modest starting salaries. Peer programs at Slippery Rock and Temple show similar outcomes, suggesting this is the market reality rather than a school-specific issue.

If graduate school is part of the plan, view this bachelor's degree as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential. Keep that $27,000 debt as low as possible, because it will stack with additional loans for an advanced degree. If your child intends to enter the workforce with just the bachelor's, understand that career advancement and salary growth may require returning to school eventually—something to factor into the total investment calculation.

Where West Chester University of Pennsylvania Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (23 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
West Chester University of PennsylvaniaWest Chester	$10,687	$39,961*	—	$27,000*	—
Slippery Rock University of PennsylvaniaSlippery Rock	$10,507	$41,797*	$38,020	$27,000*	0.65
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia	$22,082	$40,085*	$45,785	$27,000*	0.67
University of Pittsburgh-BradfordBradford	$14,620	$39,836*	$62,239	$25,474*	0.64
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh	$21,524	$39,836*	$62,239	$25,474*	0.64
National Median	—	$35,966*	—	$26,250*	0.73

* Estimated from similar programs

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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania, approximately 25% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.