Physiology, Pathology at Shenandoah University

The initial numbers from Shenandoah's physiology and pathology program look concerning—first-year earnings of $24,058 place graduates in the bottom 5% nationally for this major. However, the picture improves dramatically over time, with earnings climbing 66% to nearly $40,000 by year four. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably with more data, but they suggest many graduates may be pursuing additional education or training immediately after graduation, suppressing that first-year number while positioning them for better medium-term outcomes.

The state comparison reveals an interesting dynamic: this program sits at the 60th percentile within Virginia despite ranking poorly nationally. With only two Virginia schools offering this major, and given Winchester's location near Maryland and West Virginia borders, students may effectively be competing in a smaller regional market where these earnings are more typical. The debt load of $20,750 is manageable relative to first-year earnings and well below the national median for this field.

For families considering this program, the critical question is whether your student plans to work immediately after graduation or continue their education. If they're headed to medical school, pharmacy programs, or other graduate studies—common paths for physiology majors—that low first-year number matters less. If they need earnings right away, understand they'll likely start well below what similar majors earn nationally, though the trajectory suggests improvement.