Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,554
73rd percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$15,250
37% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.45
Manageable
Sample Size
18
Limited data

Analysis

Cedarville's broadcasting program graduates earn about 12% more than the typical Ohio program and 11% above the national median—respectable performance given that media careers often start at modest salaries. The $15,250 median debt is notably low, running about $10,000 below what most students carry in this field. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, which puts them in manageable territory even on entry-level wages.

The caveat here is sample size—with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these figures could shift significantly year to year. Still, the trend looks stable: earnings grow 11% from year one to year four, tracking with typical career progression in broadcasting and digital media. While Cedarville doesn't match the Miami University system's earnings (which top $50,000), it outperforms most other state options without saddling graduates with crushing debt.

For families prioritizing affordability in a competitive but lower-paying field, this combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates a viable path forward. Just remember these numbers represent a small sample, so treat them as a positive signal rather than a guarantee.

Where Cedarville University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all radio, television, and digital communication bachelors's programs nationally

Cedarville UniversityOther radio, television, and digital communication programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Cedarville University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Cedarville University graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 73th percentile of all radio, television, and digital communication bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (28 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Cedarville University$33,554$37,230$15,2500.45
Miami University-Hamilton$50,938$59,993$24,2500.48
Miami University-Oxford$50,938$59,993$24,2500.48
Miami University-Middletown$50,938$59,993$24,2500.48
University of Akron Main Campus$31,699$34,810$26,0000.82
Youngstown State University$30,089$38,262$26,2500.87
National Median$29,976—$24,2500.81

Other Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Miami University-Hamilton
Hamilton
$7,278$50,938$24,250
Miami University-Oxford
Oxford
$17,809$50,938$24,250
Miami University-Middletown
Middletown
$7,278$50,938$24,250
University of Akron Main Campus
Akron
$12,799$31,699$26,000
Youngstown State University
Youngstown
$10,791$30,089$26,250

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 Cedarville University, approximately 15% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.