Biology at Miami University-Hamilton
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Miami University-Hamilton's biology program punches well above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $38,122—outpacing 85% of biology programs nationally and beating Ohio's median by more than $7,000. That's exceptional performance for a regional campus, putting graduates on essentially equal footing with the flagship Oxford campus right out of the gate. The debt load of $25,368 is manageable and roughly average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 that most families can work with.
The real story here is the trajectory: earnings jump 46% by year four to $55,517, suggesting graduates are positioning themselves well for career advancement. This isn't just about landing a decent first job—it's about building momentum. Within Ohio's competitive biology landscape, this program sits at the 60th percentile, which is solid though not elite. Still, matching outcomes with the flagship campus while likely paying regional tuition rates represents genuine value.
For parents weighing options, this program offers a practical path into biology careers without the premium price tag of a four-year residential campus. The strong initial placement and continued earnings growth indicate that employers value these graduates. The moderate sample size means year-to-year outcomes could vary somewhat, but the overall pattern is encouraging for students serious about biology who want to control costs.
Where Miami University-Hamilton Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Miami University-Hamilton graduates compare to all programs nationally
Miami University-Hamilton graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 85th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (62 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami University-Hamilton | $38,122 | $55,517 | $25,368 | 0.67 |
| Ohio Dominican University | $38,548 | $83,827 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
| Miami University-Middletown | $38,122 | — | — | — |
| Miami University-Oxford | $38,122 | $55,517 | $25,368 | 0.67 |
| Wittenberg University | $38,072 | — | $27,000 | 0.71 |
| Ashland University | $37,814 | $45,472 | $23,250 | 0.61 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio Dominican University Columbus | $34,370 | $38,548 | $27,000 |
| Miami University-Middletown Middletown | $7,278 | $38,122 | — |
| Miami University-Oxford Oxford | $17,809 | $38,122 | $25,368 |
| Wittenberg University Springfield | $44,602 | $38,072 | $27,000 |
| Ashland University Ashland | $28,910 | $37,814 | $23,250 |
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 Miami University-Hamilton, approximately 30% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 75 graduates with reported earnings and 142 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.