Analysis
Miami University-Hamilton's biology program punches well above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $38,122βoutpacing 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 jobβit'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
Earnings Distribution
How Miami University-Hamilton graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami University-Hamilton | $38,122 | $55,517 | +46% |
| Ohio Dominican University | $38,548 | $83,827 | +117% |
| University of Mount Union | $33,433 | $61,157 | +83% |
| Baldwin Wallace University | $30,986 | $57,681 | +86% |
| Walsh University | $31,250 | $56,105 | +80% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (62 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,278 | $38,122 | $55,517 | $25,368 | 0.67 | |
| $34,370 | $38,548 | $83,827 | $27,000 | 0.70 | |
| $7,278 | $38,122 | β | β | β | |
| $17,809 | $38,122 | $55,517 | $25,368 | 0.67 | |
| $44,602 | $38,072 | β | $27,000 | 0.71 | |
| $28,910 | $37,814 | $45,472 | $23,250 | 0.61 | |
| National Median | β | $32,316 | β | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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.