Analysis
Borrowing $27,000 to earn roughly $40,000 in your first year—based on what similar rehabilitation programs in Pennsylvania produce—creates a manageable but tight financial start. This estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 falls within reasonable territory for healthcare-related fields, though it means dedicating a substantial portion of early paychecks to loan repayment. Pennsylvania's rehabilitation programs cluster tightly around these figures, with schools like Temple and Pitt reporting outcomes in the $39,000-$41,000 range, suggesting the estimates here reflect realistic expectations for the field statewide.
The challenge is that rehabilitation and therapeutic professions often require additional credentials or graduate education to reach higher earning potential, which could mean taking on more debt before you see significant income growth. Comparable programs nationally show median earnings of about $36,000, placing Pennsylvania graduates slightly ahead, but this field rarely delivers dramatic early-career salary jumps. Wilson's high admission rate and modest SAT profile suggest accessible entry, though it's worth questioning whether the specific program offers clinical placements or specializations that might improve post-graduation prospects.
Given that both earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from peer programs rather than Wilson's actual graduate outcomes, approach this with realistic expectations about both the investment and the payoff. If this career path requires a master's degree down the line, factor that additional cost into your planning now.
Where Wilson College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,000 | $39,961* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $10,507 | $41,797* | $38,020 | $27,000* | 0.65 | |
| $22,082 | $40,085* | $45,785 | $27,000* | 0.67 | |
| $14,620 | $39,836* | $62,239 | $25,474* | 0.64 | |
| $21,524 | $39,836* | $62,239 | $25,474* | 0.64 | |
| 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 Wilson College, approximately 27% 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.