Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians at Shawnee State University

Shawnee State's industrial production technology program starts graduates below the state average—at $57,682, that's $9,000 less than the typical Ohio program in this field. Among the nine schools offering this degree in Ohio, it ranks near the bottom at the 40th percentile. However, the earnings trajectory tells a more optimistic story: by year four, graduates are earning nearly $80,000, representing 39% growth that outpaces many technical programs.

The debt load of $24,500 is manageable relative to first-year earnings, putting graduates in a solid position to pay down loans even with the lower starting salary. The real question is whether the career acceleration continues—does the strong year 1-4 growth reflect genuine skill development and advancement, or is this pattern an artifact of the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked)? With only nine schools in Ohio offering this bachelor's program, it's possible these numbers reflect a handful of individual outcomes rather than a reliable pattern.

For parents, the calculus depends on your child's alternative options. If they're comparing this to similar programs at University of Dayton or Ohio University—both offering stronger starting salaries—those schools provide more certainty. But if this program offers better affordability, location, or fit, the year-four earnings suggest graduates can catch up. Just recognize you're working with limited data: these numbers could shift substantially with the next cohort.