Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Baldwin Wallace University
Bachelor's Degree
bw.eduAnalysis
Baldwin Wallace's communications program graduates earn about $8,000 less than the Ohio median for this field—placing it in just the 40th percentile statewide. That gap widens when you compare to top Ohio programs like Miami University, where graduates earn $50,700, nearly $14,000 more. While the $26,500 debt load matches the state median and sits well below national averages, the modest starting salary of $36,620 means graduates face a tighter financial picture early on.
The positive trajectory here is the 23% earnings growth over four years, climbing to nearly $45,000. That upward movement suggests the program builds useful skills, even if it doesn't immediately command premium starting salaries. Still, with fewer than 30 graduates in this data set, these numbers could shift significantly with more complete information—a handful of unusually high or low earners can dramatically skew the picture.
For families, the key question is whether this investment makes sense given Ohio's competitive landscape. If your student is drawn to Baldwin Wallace's campus culture or specific faculty, the reasonable debt load provides some flexibility. But if maximizing early career earnings is the priority, other Ohio programs demonstrate stronger employment outcomes in this field.
Where Baldwin Wallace University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public relations, advertising, and applied communication bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Baldwin Wallace University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baldwin Wallace University | $36,620 | $44,925 | +23% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $50,700 | $65,121 | +28% |
| Miami University-Hamilton | $50,700 | $65,121 | +28% |
| Miami University-Middletown | $50,700 | $65,121 | +28% |
| Otterbein University | $37,430 | $54,544 | +46% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,938 | $36,620 | $44,925 | $26,500 | 0.72 | |
| $17,809 | $50,700 | $65,121 | $25,000 | 0.49 | |
| $7,278 | $50,700 | $65,121 | $25,000 | 0.49 | |
| $7,278 | $50,700 | $65,121 | $25,000 | 0.49 | |
| $9,577 | $46,518 | $49,680 | $42,017 | 0.90 | |
| $41,788 | $45,235 | $46,188 | $27,000 | 0.60 | |
| National Median | — | $39,794 | — | $24,625 | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with public relations, advertising, and applied communication graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Human Resources Managers
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Training and Development Managers
Technical Writers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
Training and Development Specialists
Health Education Specialists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Baldwin Wallace University, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.