Biology at Walsh University

Walsh University's biology program shows impressive earnings growth but starts from a concerningly low base. That $31,250 first-year salary trails the national average and sits well below Ohio's median, leaving graduates with debt nearly equal to their entire first year's income. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Ohio biology programs—beating the state median—that's partly because biology salaries are generally modest across the state. The good news? Four years out, earnings jump 80% to $56,105, suggesting graduates eventually find their footing in healthcare, research, or graduate programs.

The debt picture is one of this program's strengths: at $27,000, it's actually below both state and national medians, ranking in the 5th percentile nationally. This manageable debt load becomes more sustainable once that salary growth kicks in. However, the immediate post-graduation period could be financially tight, especially if graduates need time to land positions that utilize their biology degree.

The critical caveat here is the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates. This means one graduate who went straight to medical residency or another who struggled to find work could skew these numbers significantly. If your child is considering Walsh for biology, the low debt is reassuring, but budget carefully for that first year when the salary-to-debt ratio is challenging. The program's value depends heavily on what students do with the degree—those heading to graduate school or healthcare careers will likely see better outcomes than those entering the job market directly with just a bachelor's.