Physiology, Pathology at University of Dayton

The four-year earnings number tells the more compelling story here: $74,916 puts University of Dayton graduates well above what most physiology and pathology bachelor's programs deliver nationally ($30,962 median). The challenge is the first year. Based on comparable programs in Ohio, graduates likely start around $36,886—a solid but not spectacular entry point that suggests many are either in lab assistant roles or continuing education before moving into higher-paying positions.

With estimated debt of $24,250, the financial equation hinges entirely on whether your child reaches that four-year earnings level. The debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio of 0.66 is manageable but not impressive, requiring about eight months of gross income to cover the loan balance. However, if graduates follow the trajectory this data suggests—doubling their earnings by year four—the investment becomes far more defensible. The question is what happens in years two and three, which this data doesn't capture.

The most practical concern: physiology and pathology often serve as pre-med or pre-health professional stepping stones rather than terminal degrees. If your child plans to continue directly to graduate or professional school, that $24,250 becomes the foundation of a much larger debt load. If they're planning to work first, the four-year figure suggests patience pays off, but you'll want to understand what jobs create that income growth and whether UD's placement rates support that progression.