Analysis
Ohio University-Chillicothe's physiology and pathology program costs more upfront than most similar programs nationwide—only 9% carry higher debt—but delivers solid long-term returns. Starting earnings of $36,886 beat the national median by nearly $6,000 and land squarely at Ohio's state median. More importantly, the trajectory is strong: graduates see 63% earnings growth by year four, reaching over $60,000 annually, which suggests the degree opens doors to career advancement rather than leaving graduates stuck at entry-level wages.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 sits in reasonable territory, meaning graduates should be able to manage loan payments even in that first year. While this program ranks 60th percentile among Ohio's physiology offerings—midpack rather than top-tier—that comparison is somewhat misleading since Ohio University dominates the state rankings across its various campuses. The real story is whether $26,786 in debt is worth access to $60,000+ earning potential four years out, which compares favorably to many bachelor's programs.
For families concerned about return on investment, this represents a calculated bet: higher initial borrowing in exchange for above-average starting pay and strong earnings momentum. If your student is committed to this field and comfortable with moderate debt, the numbers support moving forward.
Where Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all physiology, pathology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus | $36,886 | $60,077 | +63% |
| Ohio University-Southern Campus | $36,886 | $60,077 | +63% |
| Ohio University-Main Campus | $36,886 | $60,077 | +63% |
| Ohio University-Zanesville Campus | $36,886 | $60,077 | +63% |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus | $36,886 | $60,077 | +63% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Physiology, Pathology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $36,886 | $60,077 | $26,786 | 0.73 | |
| $6,178 | $36,886 | $60,077 | $26,786 | 0.73 | |
| $13,746 | $36,886 | $60,077 | $26,786 | 0.73 | |
| $6,178 | $36,886 | $60,077 | $26,786 | 0.73 | |
| $6,178 | $36,886 | $60,077 | $26,786 | 0.73 | |
| $6,178 | $36,886 | $60,077 | $26,786 | 0.73 | |
| National Median | — | $30,962 | — | $23,384 | 0.76 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with physiology, pathology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Exercise Physiologists
Biological Scientists, All Other
Bioinformatics Scientists
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Geneticists
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 Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus, approximately 16% 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 53 graduates with reported earnings and 105 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.