Shawnee State University's greatest strength lies in its exceptional affordability, with net prices well below national averages across all income bands.
The university maintains a perfect track record of loan repayment success while serving as a crucial access point for first-generation and working-class students in southeastern Ohio.
Shawnee State University is a medium-sized public university in Portsmouth, Ohio, that focuses on providing accessible, affordable education to students from diverse backgrounds. While the institution doesn't rank among the top performers nationally for earnings outcomes, it serves an important role as an opportunity-building institution that opens doors for students who might not otherwise attend college. More than 43% of students are first-generation college attendees, and about 35% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving students from working-class families.
The university's strength lies in its affordability rather than its earnings outcomes. Low-income students pay just $13,734 annually, and middle-income families see net prices around $15,623, making Shawnee State one of the more affordable public options in Ohio. Graduates typically earn $39,596 ten years after enrollment, which is modest compared to other public universities but represents meaningful economic progress for many students who come from lower-income backgrounds.
Shawnee State operates as what researchers call an "Opportunity Builder" — an institution that provides access to higher education for students who face significant barriers to college attendance. While earnings outcomes are below national averages, the university plays a crucial role in its region by offering practical programs in nursing, engineering technology, and clinical research that lead to stable, middle-class careers for graduates who might not have had those opportunities otherwise.
Shawnee State University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional, career-focused institution serving southeastern Ohio. The strongest outcomes come from healthcare programs, particularly Adult Health Nursing, which graduates 31 students annually with median earnings of $57,318 — nearly 45% higher than the institutional average. This program represents the university's most successful combination of enrollment scale and earnings outcomes, preparing nurses for high-demand roles in regional healthcare systems.
Technical and applied programs form the core of Shawnee State's academic identity. Chemical Engineering Technology delivers solid returns at $55,512 for its 22 graduates, while Clinical Research Coordinator programs, though earning less at $29,141, represent the university's largest single program with 42 graduates per year. These programs reflect the institution's focus on practical, hands-on education that prepares students for immediate employment in fields with clear regional demand.
The university's program mix emphasizes accessibility and practical application over high-earning potential. While earnings across programs remain modest compared to research universities, they represent meaningful economic advancement for students from working-class backgrounds. The concentration in healthcare, technical trades, and applied sciences aligns with regional economic needs and provides graduates with stable career pathways in fields that serve essential community functions.
Graduates of Shawnee State University earn a median of $39,596 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the lower tier of public universities nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. While these earnings are modest compared to flagship universities, they represent meaningful economic advancement for many students, particularly those from first-generation and lower-income backgrounds who make up a significant portion of the student body. The university's graduates do earn somewhat less than similar students at other institutions, reflecting both the regional job market and the practical, career-focused nature of many programs.
The strongest financial returns come from healthcare and technical programs. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn around $57,318 ten years out, making it both the highest-earning program and the one with the strongest aggregate return given its 31 graduates annually. Chemical Engineering Technology also delivers solid outcomes at $55,512, while Clinical Research Coordinator programs, though earning less at $29,141, represent the university's largest program footprint with 42 graduates per year.
Shawnee State's program mix emphasizes practical, career-ready fields that serve the regional economy. The concentration in healthcare, engineering technology, and applied sciences reflects the university's mission to prepare students for stable, middle-class employment rather than high-growth, high-mobility careers. While earnings may not match those of research universities, graduates enter fields with clear career pathways and steady demand in Ohio and surrounding regions.
Shawnee State University stands out for its strong affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $13,734 per year, well below the national average for public universities, while middle-income families see annual costs around $15,623. Even high-income families pay just $19,014 annually, making Shawnee State accessible to families across the economic spectrum. This pricing structure reflects the university's commitment to serving students from working-class backgrounds and keeping higher education within reach.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $23,000 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $15,092. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates are generally able to service their debt despite modest earnings. Most borrowers make steady progress on loan repayment, with the institution performing slightly above national medians for balance reduction in the early years after graduation.
What makes Shawnee State particularly sustainable is the alignment between its low costs and realistic earnings expectations. While graduates don't earn as much as those from higher-profile institutions, the combination of affordable net prices and manageable debt loads means that most students can handle their financial obligations comfortably. This creates a sustainable model for families who prioritize affordability and debt minimization over maximum earning potential.
Shawnee State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
