Communication and Media Studies at Franklin University

In Ohio's crowded communications market, where 54 schools compete for the same entry-level media jobs, the estimated outcomes here land squarely in the middle of the pack. Similar programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $35,800—virtually identical to the national median—while debt projections of roughly $26,100 create a manageable 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's within reasonable bounds, but it also means your child would be starting their career owing about nine months of gross salary, a meaningful burden when typical communications roles don't offer rapid salary growth.

The challenge becomes clearer when you see what's possible at the top of Ohio's market: Denison grads start at $47,400, and even large public universities like Ohio State place their communications majors above $41,000. Franklin serves a different student population (33% receive Pell grants, suggesting more working adults and non-traditional students), so direct comparisons aren't entirely fair. But that $6,000-$11,000 earnings gap compounds over time, and it matters when you're making loan payments.

For families evaluating Franklin specifically, understand that you're working with estimates drawn from peer institutions, not this school's actual track record. If your child needs the flexibility Franklin offers—evening classes, online options, transfer-friendly policies—and plans to work in communications locally, this could work. But if they have access to one of Ohio's competitive residential programs, the earnings difference justifies serious consideration of those alternatives.