Analysis
Based on comparable programs across Ohio, students starting at around $35,000 in their first year should see a solid jump to $50,000 by year four—that four-year trajectory is encouraging for a preparatory program that's meant to be a stepping stone. The $26,000 in debt sits slightly above the state median but remains below the national benchmark, and with a 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates would need roughly nine months of first-year salary to cover what they borrowed.
The real question is what happens next. Health and medical preparatory programs exist to position students for graduate or professional school, so these bachelor's-level earnings represent a transitional phase rather than a career endpoint. The four-year earnings bump suggests that some graduates are moving into higher-paying healthcare roles without additional schooling, which is a practical outcome if medical school or PA programs don't materialize. Still, families should recognize that these estimated figures reflect outcomes across Ohio's preparatory programs, not Findlay's specific track record in placing students into competitive graduate programs.
For families considering this path, the debt load is manageable if your child either leverages the degree into healthcare work or successfully matriculates into professional school. The risk is accumulating this debt and then adding graduate school loans on top—or finishing without either a clear career path or admission to the next level. Understanding Findlay's specific acceptance rates into medical, dental, and PA programs would clarify whether this is a smart launch point or just an expensive detour.
Where The University of Findlay Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health/medical preparatory programs bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Findlay | — | $50,177 | — |
| University of Dayton | $20,263 | $61,398 | +203% |
| Cleveland State University | $23,755 | $53,829 | +127% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $39,642 | $52,034 | +31% |
| Kent State University at Ashtabula | $41,924 | $48,056 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,646 | $34,923* | $50,177 | $26,000 | — | |
| $7,272 | $41,924* | $48,056 | $27,000 | 0.64 | |
| $12,846 | $41,924* | $48,056 | $27,000 | 0.64 | |
| $12,859 | $39,642* | $52,034 | $22,334 | 0.56 | |
| $7,278 | $34,923* | — | — | — | |
| $17,809 | $34,923* | — | $23,562 | 0.67 | |
| National Median | — | $33,642* | — | $25,000 | 0.74 |
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 The University of Findlay, approximately 14% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.