At $15,389/yr net price, Shawnee State University graduates earn $39,596/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,596/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,389 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,556 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,596/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,596/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,734/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,488/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,623/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,557/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,014/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $66,941 | $49,400 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $24,045 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $55,512 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,607 | $23,875 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $47,260 | $17,494 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $44,170 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,426 | $13,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $41,193 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $39,969 | $13,488 |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Bachelor | $39,009 | $27,705 |
The Risk Factor
43.0% of students at Shawnee State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Shawnee State University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median graduates earning just $39,596 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $15,389 annually. The 43% graduation rate means more than half of students leave without a degree, carrying debt but no credential.
Your major choice determines whether this investment makes sense. Rehabilitation therapy graduates earn $66,941 but carry $49,400 in debt, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio. Nursing programs offer the best balance, with graduates earning $52,607-$57,318 while keeping debt around $24,000. Industrial production technology delivers solid $55,512 salaries, while dental support services provide decent returns at $47,260 with only $17,494 in debt.
The biggest financial risk is the high dropout rate in your first year. With just 71% of students returning for sophomore year, many accumulate debt without finishing. The low overall graduation rate compounds this problem, leaving you with student loans but no degree to show for it.
This school works financially if you enter a healthcare program and complete your degree. The nursing and dental programs align with regional demand in southern Ohio's healthcare sector. Avoid majors outside healthcare and technical fields, as the data shows these rarely justify the investment.
Only 35% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance. Your best cost strategy is choosing a high-return program and graduating quickly. If you need significant financial aid or want strong career prospects outside healthcare, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shawnee State University worth the money?
Shawnee State University graduates earn a median of $39,596 ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates. With a net price of $15,389 per year and only a 43% graduation rate, the financial return is weak unless you pursue specific high-paying programs like rehabilitation therapy or nursing.
What are the best paying majors at Shawnee State University?
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates from Shawnee State earn around $66,941, while nursing graduates make $52,000-$57,000. These programs offer solid returns, but most other majors at the school lead to below-average earnings.
How much student debt do Shawnee State University graduates have?
Shawnee State University graduates have a median debt of $23,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with graduate earnings of just under $40,000, paying off this debt may still be challenging for many students.
What is the graduation rate at Shawnee State University?
Only 43% of students graduate from Shawnee State University within six years. This low completion rate means many students take on debt without finishing their degree, making the financial risk higher than the sticker price suggests.