Physiology, Pathology at Kansas State University

Kansas State's Physiology, Pathology bachelor's produces first-year earnings of $31,958—just below the state's median of $32,042 and placing graduates at the 40th percentile among Kansas programs. With only two schools offering this degree in Kansas, that means Wichita State's program edges ahead by about $200 annually. The $22,775 in median debt translates to a 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio, which is manageable but represents nearly nine months of income dedicated to loans if graduates used their full first-year salary.

The national picture offers little additional reassurance. While K-State performs slightly above the national median ($30,962), landing at the 55th percentile, the program's relatively low absolute earnings remain the central concern. Even top performers nationally—those at the 75th percentile—earn just $36,465, suggesting this bachelor's degree may function more as a stepping stone to graduate or professional programs than as a terminal credential leading to immediate financial return.

For families considering this path, the key question is what comes next. If your student plans to pursue medical school, physician assistant training, or graduate work in related health fields, K-State's program provides adequate preparation at moderate cost. But if the bachelor's degree represents the endpoint, the earnings trajectory looks underwhelming compared to other health science options. The debt is reasonable, but the income it finances doesn't offer much buffer for those who need to start earning immediately after graduation.