Shawnee State University
Shawnee State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Shawnee State University at a Glance
Shawnee State University (SSU) is a public university in Portsmouth, Ohio, United States, established in 1986. It is the southernmost member of the University System of Ohio, and is a member of the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE).
1986
40 years old
$19M
$19.3 million (2019)
3,257
3,033 undergrad · 224 grad
62 acres
Identity
Is Shawnee State University Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, Shawnee State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $39,596 — 26% below average — while paying $14,381/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 45% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $23,000 representing 58% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Shawnee State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Shawnee State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #104 of 164 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #104 | Shawnee State University | 31 | $14,381 | $39,596 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Shawnee State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 15 in OH.
Best Programs at Shawnee State University
The highest-earning program at Shawnee State University is Accounting and Related Services at $33,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Fine and Studio Arts at $21,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Accounting and Related Services graduate from Shawnee State University earns $33,200, while a Fine and Studio Arts graduate earns $21,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Accounting and Related Services graduates carry $25,440 in median debt vs. $28,250 for Fine and Studio Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,381/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services | $33,200 | $33,200 | $25,440 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $30,400 | $30,400 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $29,800 | $29,800 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $28,100 | $28,100 | $26,000 |
| Sociology | $27,800 | $27,800 | $31,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $26,600 | $26,600 | $21,473 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $23,800 | $23,800 | $26,313 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $21,300 | $21,300 | $28,250 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Portsmouth, OH
- Student Body
- 2,247 students
- Graduation Rate
- 45%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,381
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $39,596
- Median Student Debt
- $23,000