Skip to main content

Best Value Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Colleges in Ohio

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Ohio's rehabilitation and therapeutic professions programs present a striking cost divide that reaches $25,000 in net price differences between options. While Ohio University's Eastern Campus charges just $4,503 annually, The College of Wooster commands $25,766, creating one of the largest value gaps in the state's healthcare education market. Early career earnings span from $23,579 to $31,852, with the University of Toledo graduates achieving the highest compensation despite moderate program costs of $17,460. Ohio's healthcare sector, anchored by Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, drives consistent demand for rehabilitation specialists across physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology roles. The state's 20 programs range from community-focused regional campuses to major research universities, with graduation rates varying dramatically from 12% to 88%. Public institutions dominate the affordable end, with five Ohio University regional campuses offering sub-$7,000 net prices, while private schools like Ursuline College provide specialized training environments at higher costs.
23
Programs
$4,503 – $31,236
Net Price Range
$28,800
Avg. Program Earnings
46.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,349 $30,409 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
2 $14,981 $29,926 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
3 $15,216 $28,236 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
4 $17,460 $31,852 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
5 $18,292 $23,579 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
6 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
7 $25,766 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
8 $18,027 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
9 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
10 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
11 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
12 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
13 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
14 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
15 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
16 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
17 $13,824 $7,278 24.5%
18 $21,296 $36,032 41.9% 54.1%
19 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
20 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
21 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
22 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
23 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio University's regional campuses such strong value options for rehabilitation studies?

Five Ohio University regional campuses offer net prices between $4,503 and $6,483, making them among the most affordable rehabilitation programs nationally. These campuses provide direct pathways to the main Athens campus, which graduates 66% of students and offers broader clinical training opportunities. The regional model allows students to complete prerequisites locally before transferring to complete specialized coursework. Ohio University's network spans from Saint Clairsville to Lancaster, providing geographic access across southeastern and central Ohio.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Ohio's rehabilitation programs?

Higher-cost programs generally achieve better completion rates, with Ohio State University posting an 88% graduation rate at $18,292 net cost and The College of Wooster reaching 74% at $25,766. However, the University of Akron breaks this pattern, delivering a solid 48% graduation rate at just $14,981 net price. Regional campuses show completion rates between 12% and 20%, reflecting their open-access mission and part-time student populations. The University of Toledo combines moderate costs with strong outcomes, graduating 56% of students.

Does choosing a private rehabilitation program in Ohio justify the additional expense?

Private programs like Ursuline College charge $18,027 net but achieve 53% graduation rates with personalized attention in smaller cohorts. Wilberforce University offers the most affordable private option at $7,349 net cost, though graduation data shows 16% completion rates. The College of Wooster represents the premium private choice at $25,766 but delivers 74% graduation rates and extensive alumni networks. Public alternatives like Wright State and University of Akron provide comparable training at $14,981 to $15,216 with graduation rates between 46% and 48%.

Where do Ohio rehabilitation graduates find the best early career earning potential?

University of Toledo graduates earn $31,852 in early career positions, the highest among Ohio programs, while maintaining reasonable debt levels of $24,937. This reflects Toledo's strong connections to regional medical centers and the city's growing healthcare infrastructure. Ohio State graduates start at $23,579 despite the program's reputation, likely reflecting the competitive Columbus market and varied career paths. Wright State graduates earn $28,236 with access to Dayton's aerospace and defense contractors who employ rehabilitation specialists.

How does Ohio's healthcare job market support rehabilitation profession graduates?

Cleveland Clinic employs over 65,000 healthcare workers across its system, creating substantial demand for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and regional health systems like Premier Health in Dayton provide additional opportunities. The state's aging population and manufacturing base generate consistent needs for rehabilitation services, particularly in workers' compensation and industrial injury recovery. Ohio's lower cost of living compared to coastal states allows rehabilitation professionals to maintain comfortable lifestyles on starting salaries between $24,000 and $32,000.

More Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rankings

Cheapest Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions in Ohio Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Under $20,000 in Ohio

Related

All Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Programs Best Colleges in Ohio Best Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions in Ohio

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.