Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,727
72nd percentile
Median Debt
$24,682
6% above national median

Analysis

UW-Oshkosh's physiology and pathology program outperforms most peer programs nationally, landing in the 72nd percentile for earnings—well above the national median of $30,962. With first-year earnings of $35,727, graduates earn substantially more than typical physiology majors nationwide. Within Wisconsin's small pool of five similar programs, this ranks solidly at the 60th percentile, indicating respectable positioning in a competitive state market. The debt load of $24,682 is manageable, resulting in a 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio that shouldn't create serious financial strain for most graduates.

The modest earnings growth—just 6% over four years—suggests graduates may be finding stable entry-level healthcare or research positions rather than rapidly advancing careers. This isn't necessarily alarming for a bachelor's-level science program, where many graduates use this degree as a stepping stone to graduate school or professional health programs. The relatively low debt compared to national averages (37th percentile) means students aren't over-borrowing, which is crucial if advanced degrees are in the future.

For families considering this program, the combination of above-average starting salaries and below-average debt makes it a financially sound choice among physiology programs. At an 87% admission rate, it's accessible to most applicants while delivering outcomes that outpace more selective options like Marquette.

Where University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all physiology, pathology bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh$35,727$37,769+6%
Gettysburg College$37,977$75,829+100%
West Virginia University$24,463$63,291+159%
San Francisco State University$36,707$62,221+70%
Marquette University$31,173$54,837+76%

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Physiology, Pathology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (5 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-OshkoshOshkosh$8,212$35,727$37,769$24,6820.69
Marquette UniversityMilwaukee$48,700$31,173$54,837$27,0000.87
National Median$30,962$23,3840.76

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with physiology, pathology graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

$103,650/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Exercise Physiologists

Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.

$58,160/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biological Scientists, All Other

All biological scientists not listed separately.

Bioinformatics Scientists

Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.

Molecular and Cellular Biologists

Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

Geneticists

Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.

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 University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, approximately 16% 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.