Communication and Media Studies at Denison University

Denison's Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $47,396 in their first year—36% more than the national median and 32% above Ohio's average for this major. That places this program in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among Ohio's 54 schools offering communication degrees, outpacing even larger programs at Ohio State and University of Cincinnati.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $25,187, creating a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio that graduates can realistically pay down. Four years out, earnings climb to $52,234, showing steady 10% growth rather than the plateau many communication programs experience. This combination of strong starting salaries and continued momentum suggests graduates are landing substantive roles, not just entry-level media positions.

The real question is whether Denison's highly selective environment (17% admission rate, 1395 average SAT) creates networking advantages that justify its cost structure compared to state schools. For families who can handle the upfront investment, the program delivers top-tier outcomes within a competitive major—but those unable to secure substantial aid might achieve similar results at Ohio State or Dayton with lower sticker prices. The key differentiator is whether your child benefits from a small, intensive learning environment that clearly translates to better initial job placement.