Best institutions to study Rehabilitation Science
A program that focuses on human function, disability, and rehabilitation from the perspectives of the health sciences, social sciences, psychology, engineering, and related fields.
47 U.S. institutions graduated 1,023 Rehabilitation Science students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.2314, a specialization of Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (CIP 51.23), and leads most directly to the Rehabilitation Counselors occupation (BLS SOC 21-1015).
About Rehabilitation Science programs
A program that focuses on human function, disability, and rehabilitation from the perspectives of the health sciences, social sciences, psychology, engineering, and related fields. Includes instruction in psychological, social, and cultural aspects of disability and rehabilitation; sensory and motor function and dysfunction; biomechanics and kinesiology; assistive technology; rehabilitation instrumentation and methodology; statistics; and health and rehabilitation policy.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Rehabilitation Science program, part of the Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, focuses on understanding human function, disability, and rehabilitation through various perspectives, including health sciences and social sciences. This program is designed for students interested in helping individuals overcome challenges related to disability and improve their quality of life.
Students in this program will gain core skills in areas such as therapy and counseling, psychology, and customer service. Coursework includes topics like biomechanics, assistive technology, and health policy, equipping graduates with the knowledge needed to support individuals in their rehabilitation journeys.
Credentials awarded
What Rehabilitation Science graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree822 graduates / yr · 26 institutions80%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship62 graduates / yr · 19 institutions6.1%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate49 graduates / yr · 1 institution4.8%
- Master's degree39 graduates / yr · 9 institutions3.8%
- Post-master's certificate33 graduates / yr · 1 institution3.2%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year18 graduates / yr · 2 institutions1.8%
Graduates over time
Rehabilitation Science completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 558 |
| 2013 | 675 |
| 2014 | 760 |
| 2015 | 877 |
| 2016 | 1,012 |
| 2017 | 966 |
| 2018 | 1,137 |
| 2019 | 1,158 |
| 2020 | 1,219 |
| 2021 | 1,156 |
| 2022 | 1,252 |
| 2023 | 1,232 |
| 2024 | 1,104 |
| 2025 | 1,023 |
Top 47 institutions for Rehabilitation Science, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PAPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearDoctoral | 185 | 85% | — | $39,836 |
| 2 | The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, TXPublicBachelor's | 108 | 50% | — | $28,195 |
| 3 | University of North Texas Denton, TXPublicBachelor's | 65 | 61% | — | $36,007 |
| 4 | Concordia University - Wisconsin Mequon, WIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 51 | 68% | $24,409 | — |
| 5 | Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OHPublicPost-degree cert. | 49 | 88% | — | — |
| 6 | University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Eau Claire, WIPublicBachelor's | 47 | 64% | — | — |
| 7 | University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Oshkosh, WIPublicBachelor's | 46 | 46% | — | — |
| 8 | East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TNPublicBachelor's | 44 | 53% | — | — |
| 9 | University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, ILPublicBachelor'sDoctoralMaster's | 42 | 62% | — | $33,530 |
| 10 | Boston University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 39 | 89% | $21,956 | $36,705 |
| 11 | Saginaw Valley State University University Center, MIPublicBachelor's | 37 | 48% | — | $59,937 |
| 12 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, TXPublicBachelor's | 36 | 51% | — | $28,872 |
| 13 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 33 | 92% | $26,873 | — |
| 14 | Arkansas Tech University Russellville, ARPublicBachelor's | 31 | 49% | — | $26,869 |
| 15 | Assumption University Worcester, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 22 | 75% | $24,206 | $38,094 |
| 16 | East Texas Baptist University Marshall, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 16 | 47% | $23,359 | — |
| 17 | California State University - Northridge Northridge, CAPublicMaster's | 13 | 57% | — | — |
| 18 | Middle Georgia State University Macon, GAPublicBachelor's | 13 | 25% | — | — |
| 19 | Merrimack College North Andover, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 12 | 70% | $33,877 | — |
| 20 | Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, TXPublicBachelor's | 11 | 53% | — | $33,767 |
| 21 | Western New Mexico University Silver City, NMPublicBachelor's | 10 | 32% | — | $34,345 |
| 22 | Northeastern University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 9 | 91% | $18,925 | — |
| 23 | University of Florida Gainesville, FLPublicDoctoral | 8 | 91% | — | — |
| 24 | University of Maine at Farmington Farmington, MEPublicBachelor's | 8 | 52% | — | — |
| 25 | Lasell University Newton, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 8 | 59% | $23,724 | — |
| 26 | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MNPublicDoctoralMaster's | 8 | 85% | — | — |
| 27 | University of Kentucky Lexington, KYPublicDoctoral | 7 | 71% | — | — |
| 28 | Minot State University Minot, NDPublicBachelor's | 7 | 45% | — | — |
| 29 | University of North Dakota Grand Forks, NDPublicBachelor's | 6 | 60% | — | — |
| 30 | Marquette University Milwaukee, WIPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 6 | 83% | $25,376 | — |
| 31 | Indiana University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, INPublicDoctoralAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 54% | — | $31,108 |
| 32 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IAPublicDoctoralMaster's | 5 | 75% | — | — |
| 33 | Concordia University Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 48% | $25,071 | — |
| 34 | University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MOPublicDoctoral | 5 | 75% | — | — |
| 35 | University of Pittsburgh - Bradford Bradford, PAPublicBachelor's | 5 | 48% | — | $39,836 |
| 36 | Marshall University Huntington, WVPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 5 | 51% | — | — |
| 37 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Lubbock, TXPublicDoctoral | 3 | — | — | — |
| 38 | Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 2 | 62% | $20,686 | — |
| 39 | University of Kansas Lawrence, KSPublicDoctoral | 2 | 69% | — | — |
| 40 | MGH Institute of Health Professions Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 2 | — | — | — |
| 41 | University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, ALPublicBachelor's | 1 | 64% | — | — |
| 42 | University of California - San Francisco San Francisco, CAPublicDoctoral | 1 | — | — | — |
| 43 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, COPublicDoctoral | 1 | 46% | — | — |
| 44 | Idaho State University Pocatello, IDPublicDoctoral | 1 | 39% | — | — |
| 45 | East Carolina University Greenville, NCPublicDoctoral | 1 | 63% | — | $32,371 |
| 46 | Drexel University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 1 | 78% | $36,004 | — |
| 47 | University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 51% | $21,745 | $22,919 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions field (CIP 51.23) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 26 states
Where Rehabilitation Science graduates come from. Each state links to all Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 21-1015, Rehabilitation Counselors, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Rehabilitation Science program can pursue careers as Rehabilitation Counselors, among other roles. The job outlook shows little or no change, with approximately 10,000 annual openings and a median wage of $46,110. A Master's degree is typically required for advancement in this field.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.2314
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rehabilitation Counselorsprimary SOC 21-1015 | $46,850 | +1.4% Little or no change | ~10,000 | Master's degree |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1071 | $107,310 | +17.3% Much faster than average | ~27,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Life Scientists, All Other SOC 19-1099 | $93,750 | +3.7% About as fast as average | ~400 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Rehabilitation Science programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Prepare and maintain records and case files, including documentation, such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, or relevant correspondence.
- Confer with clients to discuss their options and goals so that rehabilitation programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed.
- Develop rehabilitation plans that fit clients' aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals.
- Locate barriers to client employment, such as inaccessible work sites, inflexible schedules, or transportation problems, and work with clients to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers.
- Monitor and record clients' progress to ensure that goals and objectives are met.
- Participate in job development and placement programs, contacting prospective employers, placing clients in jobs, and evaluating the success of placements.
Tools and technology used
Other Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions specializations
The 16 other 6-digit CIP codes under Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (CIP 51.23).
- Physical Therapy/CIP 51.2308
Therapist 13,795 graduates / yr277 institutions - Occupational Therapy/CIP 51.2306
Therapist 9,796 graduates / yr250 institutions - Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/CIP 51.2310
Counselor 935 graduates / yr58 institutions - Art Therapy/CIP 51.2301
Therapist 675 graduates / yr62 institutions - Therapeutic Recreation/CIP 51.2309
Recreational Therapy 640 graduates / yr49 institutions - Music Therapy/CIP 51.2305
Therapist 635 graduates / yr70 institutions - Rehabilitation and Therapeutic ProfessionsCIP 51.2399582 graduates / yr38 institutions
- Orthotist/CIP 51.2307
Prosthetist 302 graduates / yr17 institutions - Animal-Assisted TherapyCIP 51.2313108 graduates / yr13 institutions
- Kinesiotherapy/CIP 51.2311
Kinesiotherapist partial data96 graduates / yr6 institutions - Play Therapy/CIP 51.2317
Therapist partial data93 graduates / yr6 institutions - Assistive/CIP 51.2312
Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering partial data52 graduates / yr8 institutions - Rehabilitation and Therapeutic ProfessionsCIP 51.2300partial data51 graduates / yr6 institutions
- Dance Therapy/CIP 51.2302
Therapist partial data39 graduates / yr5 institutions - Horticulture Therapy/CIP 51.2316
Therapist limited data11 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Drama Therapy/
Therapist51.2315
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions programs →
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Doctor's degree, or a Postbaccalaureate certificate.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and writing.
What are common careers for graduates?+
Common careers include Rehabilitation Counselors and Health Specialties Teachers.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 10,000 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Rehabilitation Science?+
Rehabilitation Science is CIP 51.2314 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (CIP 51.23). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on human function, disability, and rehabilitation from the perspectives of the health sciences, social sciences, psychology, engineering, and related fields. Includes instruction in psychological, social, and cultural aspects of disability and rehabilitation; sensory and motor function and dysfunction; biomechanics and kinesiology; assistive technology; rehabilitation instrumentation and methodology; statistics; and health and rehabilitation policy.
How many institutions offer Rehabilitation Science programs?+
47 U.S. institutions reported Rehabilitation Science graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 26 states, awarding 1,023 credentials in the year. That is 3.5% of all Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions graduates.
How much do Rehabilitation Science graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Rehabilitation Counselors occupation, which Rehabilitation Science most directly leads to, pays a median of $46,850 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions field report median earnings of $33,767 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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