Biological and Physical Sciences at Shawnee State University

Shawnee State's Biological and Physical Sciences program performs better than you might expect within Ohio, landing at the 60th percentile statewide—though with only four schools offering this program in the state, that comparison has limited meaning. The real story here is the earnings trajectory: graduates start at just $31,000 but see 47% growth by year four, reaching nearly $46,000. That's solid momentum, even if it starts from a modest base.

The debt picture is actually the bright spot. At $19,229, graduates owe about $5,000 less than the national median for this field, creating a manageable 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's meaningful when your first-year salary is below average—lower debt makes the slow start more tolerable. The concern is that even with strong growth, four-year earnings still trail what some programs deliver immediately after graduation.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing considerably year to year. But if this pattern holds, you're looking at a program that won't deliver quick financial returns but sets up reasonable medium-term prospects without burying students in debt. For families focused on keeping debt low while staying in Ohio, that's a workable combination—just understand the first few years will require patience.