Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering at Shawnee State University

Environmental engineering programs in Ohio typically produce stronger first-year earnings than what comparable national programs suggest for Shawnee State graduates. At an estimated $64,675, this trails the state median of $67,938—though with only six programs statewide and actual data available for just one (Ohio State's $67,938), it's difficult to gauge where Shawnee State truly stands among regional peers. The gap may reflect differences in employer networks or program focus rather than fundamental program quality.

The debt picture looks more favorable. An estimated $21,941 falls comfortably below both state and national medians for environmental engineering degrees, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34. Similar programs across the country suggest graduates could cover their debt in roughly four months of first-year salary—a manageable burden that shouldn't derail other financial goals. For families at this regional public university, where 35% of students receive Pell grants, keeping debt below $22,000 matters significantly.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With no reported outcomes for Shawnee State's own graduates, you're betting on projections from peer programs rather than proven track record. If environmental engineering is the clear goal and affordability matters, this estimated debt level provides cushion even if actual earnings disappoint. But given Ohio State's confirmed outcomes sit $3,000 higher, families should weigh whether proximity to Portsmouth or other factors justify choosing a program without demonstrated results over one with transparent performance data.