Communication and Media Studies at Franciscan University of Steubenville

Franciscan University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning about $2,000 less than the state median for this field—landing in the 40th percentile among Ohio programs. That gap matters because within the same state, schools like Ohio State and University of Cincinnati send their communication grads into the workforce earning $41,000-plus. First-year earnings of $34,000 put graduates at roughly 70% of what they'd need to comfortably manage their $24,953 in median debt.

The program does show steady earnings growth of 11% by year four, which is respectable, though that still leaves graduates at $37,591—well behind the state's stronger communication programs. At a school with a 72% admission rate, families should understand they're paying private tuition for outcomes that lag behind several public alternatives in Ohio.

For anxious parents, the calculation is straightforward: if your child is passionate about communication, they could likely achieve better earnings outcomes at Ohio State or UC while paying significantly less in tuition. Unless Franciscan's particular community or values alignment are worth the premium, this program represents a tough value proposition in a competitive Ohio market where better-performing options exist at lower cost.