Biology at Muskingum University

Muskingum's biology program starts graduates at $28,723—about $2,300 below Ohio's median and $3,600 below the national average. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes could vary significantly, the available data shows this program ranking in the 40th percentile among Ohio biology programs, meaning six in ten Ohio schools post stronger initial earnings. The debt load of $27,000 is actually manageable relative to first-year income, though that 0.94 ratio still means nearly a full year's salary goes toward what students borrowed.

The trajectory improves considerably: by year four, median earnings jump to $42,899, representing 49% growth that outpaces many biology programs. This suggests graduates may be securing positions with advancement potential or pursuing additional credentials that pay off. However, even at that four-year mark, several Ohio schools—including Ohio Dominican and the Miami University campuses—start their graduates at or near $38,000, essentially matching Muskingum's four-year number right out of the gate.

For families considering this program, the small cohort size is the elephant in the room—these numbers could shift dramatically with different graduate outcomes. If your child is set on Muskingum for other reasons (fit, scholarships, location), the debt level won't be crushing. But purely from an earnings standpoint, Ohio offers biology programs with stronger initial placement, which matters when you're covering living expenses and loan payments in those critical first years.