Communication and Media Studies at Kent State University at Trumbull

Kent State Trumbull's communication program sits right at the median for Ohio, which tells you something important: this is a typical outcome for the field in this state, not an exceptional one. Starting at $35,804 and climbing to $44,278 by year four represents decent growth, but you're still looking at earnings that fall well short of Ohio's top communication programs—grads from Denison and Dayton earn $10,000+ more annually right out of the gate.

The $26,000 in debt is manageable, giving graduates a debt-to-earnings ratio below 1.0, which means they're starting in a reasonable position. The 60th percentile ranking among Ohio programs reflects that this is a slightly above-average value within the state, especially given that nearly 40% of students receive Pell grants. The 24% earnings bump over four years suggests graduates can build momentum in their careers, though they're starting from a modest base.

For a family weighing this investment, the key question is whether these earnings justify the degree cost. If your child needs a regional option and plans to work locally in media or communications, the numbers work—debt is reasonable and outcomes match state norms. But if they're considering more competitive Ohio programs and can manage the transition, schools like Dayton or Ohio State deliver significantly stronger earnings potential for similar debt loads.