Communication and Media Studies at Baldwin Wallace University

Baldwin Wallace's Communication and Media Studies program struggles to compete within Ohio's crowded media landscape. The first-year median salary of $29,501 trails the state median by over $6,000 and ranks in just the 25th percentile among Ohio programs—meaning three-quarters of similar programs in the state deliver better outcomes. When you consider that top Ohio programs like Denison and University of Dayton produce graduates earning 40-60% more, the gap becomes harder to justify.

The positive here is strong earnings growth: graduates see a 33% salary jump by year four, reaching $39,259. The debt load of $27,000 is also reasonable, slightly above state and national medians but not dramatically so. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.92, graduates should be able to manage repayment, though those early years will be tight.

The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so outcomes could vary significantly for your student. For an anxious parent, this matters because you're making a four-year investment based on limited evidence. If your child is passionate about media and has specific reasons to choose Baldwin Wallace—strong faculty connections, particular facilities, or location—the program won't saddle them with crushing debt. But if you're comparison shopping among Ohio schools, the data suggests looking at higher-ranked programs that offer substantially better earning potential for similar or even lower debt.