Communication and Media Studies at Kent State University at Tuscarawas

Kent State Tuscarawas delivers exactly what you'd expect from a regional campus communications program—middle-of-the-pack earnings with manageable debt. Starting at $35,804 and climbing to $44,278 by year four, graduates earn slightly above the state median and outperform 54% of communication programs nationwide. The $26,000 in typical debt means borrowers face payments representing about 9% of their first-year salary, which falls within the "affordable" range by federal guidelines.

What matters here is the comparison within Ohio's competitive landscape. While Denison and Ohio State graduates start $6,000-$11,000 higher, those programs typically come with significantly steeper price tags and admission barriers. Among the 54 Ohio schools offering this degree, Kent State Tuscarawas lands squarely in the 60th percentile—respectable for a regional campus serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students. The 24% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are finding their footing in the job market, not just treading water in entry-level positions.

For families prioritizing accessibility and reasonable debt over prestige, this program does its job. Your child won't graduate with eye-popping earnings potential, but they also won't be crushed by debt or left behind state peers. It's a solid choice for students who need to stay close to home or want to avoid the gamble of accumulating private school debt in a communications field where internships and hustle often matter more than the name on the diploma.