Analysis
Miami University-Oxford's biology graduates see something rare in this field: substantial career momentum. While the $38,122 starting salary already exceeds the national median by 18%, earnings jump to $55,517 by year four—a 46% increase that signals graduates are moving into higher-value roles quickly. With debt of $25,368, graduates face a manageable 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves rapidly as their careers progress.
The program ranks in the 85th percentile nationally but sits at the 60th percentile among Ohio biology programs—a reminder that while Miami delivers strong outcomes, several in-state competitors post similar starting earnings. The difference likely emerges over time, as Miami graduates' faster earnings growth suggests better access to advancement opportunities, whether through graduate school prerequisites, research roles, or career-track positions.
For parents evaluating Miami's higher tuition compared to regional alternatives, the trajectory matters more than the starting point. Biology majors often need additional credentials to reach peak earning potential, and this program appears to position graduates well for that path. The combination of reasonable debt and strong upward earnings momentum makes this a solid investment for students committed to advancing in life sciences careers.
Where Miami University-Oxford Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Miami University-Oxford 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-Oxford | $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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Miami University-OxfordOxford | $17,809 | $38,122 | $55,517 | $25,368 | 0.67 |
 Ohio Dominican UniversityColumbus | $34,370 | $38,548 | $83,827 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
| Miami University-HamiltonHamilton | $7,278 | $38,122 | $55,517 | $25,368 | 0.67 |
| Miami University-MiddletownMiddletown | $7,278 | $38,122 | — | — | — |
 Wittenberg UniversitySpringfield | $44,602 | $38,072 | — | $27,000 | 0.71 |
 Ashland UniversityAshland | $28,910 | $37,814 | $45,472 | $23,250 | 0.61 |
| National Median | — | $32,316 | — | $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-Oxford, approximately 11% 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.