Physiology, Pathology at Ursinus College

Ursinus College's Physiology, Pathology program starts significantly behind—first-year earnings of $26,123 fall well below both Pennsylvania's median ($32,050) and the national average ($30,962), placing graduates in just the 25th percentile statewide. With $27,000 in debt (matching the state median), new graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio slightly over 1.0, meaning they owe more than they'll earn in their first year. For context, nearby Gettysburg College's similar program produces graduates earning $37,977, about 45% more right out of the gate.

The one bright spot is dramatic earnings growth: by year four, median earnings jump to $49,823—a 91% increase that suggests many graduates successfully pursue professional degrees or specialized positions. This pattern is common for pre-health students who use undergraduate physiology programs as stepping stones to medical, dental, or graduate school. However, that four-year timeline assumes students either secure well-paying jobs immediately or can manage living expenses and loan payments through additional schooling.

For families considering this program as a direct path to employment, the numbers are challenging. If your child is targeting medical school or another graduate program where this serves as preparation, those first-year earnings matter less. But for students seeking work immediately after graduation, Ursinus's below-average outcomes combined with average debt create a difficult financial runway—especially compared to stronger-performing programs within Pennsylvania.