Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Wilberforce University
Bachelor's Degree
wilberforce.eduAnalysis
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)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,776 | $35,966* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $12,377 | $37,554* | $40,733 | $24,875* | 0.66 | |
| $11,188 | $35,966* | $37,095 | $30,000* | 0.83 | |
| $12,799 | $31,765* | $48,443 | $26,323* | 0.83 | |
| National Median | — | $35,966* | — | $26,250* | 0.73 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Orthotists and Prosthetists
Recreational Therapists
Exercise Physiologists
Rehabilitation Counselors
Medical Appliance Technicians
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
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.