Communication and Media Studies at Kent State University at Stark

Kent State Stark's communication program hits right at the Ohio median, landing in the 60th percentile statewide—a solid middle-of-the-pack position for a regional campus. Starting at $35,804, graduates earn just above the national average and see healthy 24% growth to $44,278 by year four. The $26,000 debt load translates to a manageable 0.73 ratio against first-year earnings, meaning graduates owe less than they'll make in their first year out of school.

The gap to Ohio's top programs is significant—Denison and Dayton graduates earn $42,000-$47,000, roughly $7,000-$12,000 more annually. But those schools come with substantially higher costs. For families looking at regional campuses where affordability matters, Kent State Stark delivers predictable outcomes without overleveraging students financially. The robust sample size means these numbers are reliable, not statistical noise.

This program works as an affordable entry point into communications careers, particularly for students who'll work in Northeast Ohio's media and corporate communications landscape. The earnings trajectory shows steady career progression rather than spectacular growth. If your child is comparing this to flagship programs or private universities, understand you're trading earning potential for lower debt—a reasonable trade for families where cost is the primary concern.