Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Western Carolina University

Western Carolina's rehab and therapeutic professions program outperforms most competitors in North Carolina—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—while keeping debt manageable at $24,000. That's $1,000 below the state median and $2,250 below the national average. Starting earnings of $37,608 sit comfortably above both state ($34,990) and national ($35,966) benchmarks, putting graduates ahead of peers at programs like ECU and Winston-Salem State from day one.

The 19% earnings growth over four years shows clear career progression, with graduates reaching nearly $45,000 by year four. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 means students carry about 7.7 months of their first year's salary in debt—reasonable for a field that typically requires graduate education for the highest-paying roles. For students planning to pursue additional credentials, this program provides a solid foundation without the debt burden that could complicate future borrowing.

This is a straightforward value proposition for North Carolina families: above-average outcomes at below-average debt levels. The program won't catapult graduates into the top earnings tier immediately, but it positions them well for the specialized certifications and advanced degrees that unlock higher pay in rehabilitation fields.