Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,554
73rd percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$15,250
37% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Cedarville University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Cedarville University$33,554$37,230+11%
Miami University-Oxford$50,938$59,993+18%
Miami University-Middletown$50,938$59,993+18%
Miami University-Hamilton$50,938$59,993+18%
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$28,719$50,809+77%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

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

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Cedarville UniversityCedarville$36,078$33,554$37,230$15,2500.45
Miami University-HamiltonHamilton$7,278$50,938$59,993$24,2500.48
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$50,938$59,993$24,2500.48
Miami University-MiddletownMiddletown$7,278$50,938$59,993$24,2500.48
University of Akron Main CampusAkron$12,799$31,699$34,810$26,0000.82
Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown$10,791$30,089$38,262$26,2500.87
National Median$29,976$24,2500.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with radio, television, and digital communication graduates

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Producers and Directors

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Programming Directors

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Talent Directors

Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Technical Directors/Managers

Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Film and Video Editors

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

$70,570/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

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.