Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
A $25,000 debt load against first-year earnings around $35,000 places this program squarely in the middle of Ohio's health preparatory landscape—neither a standout nor a red flag. Based on comparable pre-health programs statewide, graduates typically earn enough to keep debt manageable, with a 0.72 ratio suggesting monthly loan payments that won't consume an unreasonable share of take-home pay. The national benchmark of $33,600 confirms that these figures align with what pre-health majors generally see nationwide.
The real question is what comes next. Pre-health bachelor's degrees are essentially stepping stones—students typically move on to medical school, PA programs, or other advanced training. That context matters because borrowing $25,000 for a credential that leads to further education means stacking debt. If your child is genuinely headed for medical or dental school, this undergraduate debt is just the beginning. If they're using this degree as a backup plan or pivot point, they'll need to be realistic about what a $35,000 starting salary means for repayment.
The practical takeaway: this program appears financially reasonable as a foundation, but only if there's a clear plan for what follows. Without graduate school or professional credentialing, a pre-health bachelor's degree offers limited earning power on its own.
Where Mount St. Joseph University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health/medical preparatory programs bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,650 | $34,923* | — | $25,185* | — | |
| $7,272 | $41,924* | $48,056 | $27,000* | 0.64 | |
| $12,846 | $41,924* | $48,056 | $27,000* | 0.64 | |
| $12,859 | $39,642* | $52,034 | $22,334* | 0.56 | |
| $7,278 | $34,923* | — | —* | — | |
| $17,809 | $34,923* | — | $23,562* | 0.67 | |
| National Median | — | $33,642* | — | $25,000* | 0.74 |
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 Mount St. Joseph University, approximately 27% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.