Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,966
Est. from OH median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from national median (31 programs)

Analysis

Similar rehabilitation programs in Ohio typically launch graduates into first-year earnings around $36,000, while this program's estimated debt load of $27,000 sits right at the national median for the field. That 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment—roughly three-quarters of a year's salary in total debt—which falls within the range financial advisors generally consider reasonable for bachelor's-level healthcare programs.

What matters here is understanding that rehabilitation and therapeutic professions often require additional certifications or graduate degrees to maximize earnings potential, meaning this bachelor's degree may be a stepping stone rather than a career endpoint. The field itself shows remarkably consistent earnings across Ohio programs, with even top performers like University of Toledo only reaching about $37,500 in year one. That narrow range suggests the program choice matters less than what credentials students pursue afterward.

For families at Wilberforce—where three-quarters of students receive Pell grants—the practical calculation comes down to whether $27,000 in debt makes sense given both the immediate earning potential and the likelihood of needing further education. If your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level, peer programs suggest they'll start near the state median. If graduate school is next, factor in additional debt before full earning power kicks in. The estimated numbers here align with field-wide patterns, but confirm directly with the university what clinical placements and credentialing pathways their specific program provides.

Where Wilberforce University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Wilberforce UniversityWilberforce$14,776$35,966*—$27,000*—
University of ToledoToledo$12,377$37,554*$40,733$24,875*0.66
Wright State University-Main CampusDayton$11,188$35,966*$37,095$30,000*0.83
University of Akron Main CampusAkron$12,799$31,765*$48,443$26,323*0.83
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 Wilberforce University, approximately 74% 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 3 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.