Analysis
John Carroll's Communication and Media Studies graduates earn substantially more than typical communications majors—landing at the 82nd percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $41,072. That's 17% above the national median and puts them in the same ballpark as grads from Ohio State and Cincinnati. The $27,000 debt load is actually below average for this field, creating a manageable 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio that's better than most communications programs nationwide.
The trajectory looks solid: earnings jump 34% to $55,079 by year four, which suggests these graduates are building real career momentum rather than getting stuck in entry-level media roles. Within Ohio, this program sits at the 60th percentile—respectable but not elite. It trails Denison ($47,396) and Dayton ($42,629), though those comparisons matter less if you're paying significantly different tuition rates.
For a selective-but-accessible Jesuit school (81% acceptance rate), John Carroll delivers communications graduates who actually out-earn many of their peers. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings is relatively rare in this major. If your child is paying private school tuition anyway, this program appears to justify the cost better than most communications degrees.
Where John Carroll University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How John Carroll University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Carroll University | $41,072 | $55,079 | +34% |
| University of Dayton | $42,629 | $60,466 | +42% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $41,232 | $54,473 | +32% |
| Denison University | $47,396 | $52,234 | +10% |
| Miami University-Hamilton | $34,959 | $50,404 | +44% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (54 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 John Carroll UniversityUniversity Heights | $49,100 | $41,072 | $55,079 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
 Denison UniversityGranville | $64,000 | $47,396 | $52,234 | $25,187 | 0.53 |
 University of DaytonDayton | $47,600 | $42,629 | $60,466 | $25,375 | 0.60 |
 Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus | $12,859 | $41,232 | $54,473 | $23,500 | 0.57 |
 University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati | $13,570 | $41,138 | $46,535 | $23,816 | 0.58 |
 Xavier UniversityCincinnati | $48,125 | $39,771 | — | $26,825 | 0.67 |
| National Median | — | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
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 John Carroll University, approximately 20% 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 82 graduates with reported earnings and 85 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.