Communication and Media Studies at Lourdes University

Similar communication programs across Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $36,000 paired with roughly $26,000 in debt—figures that track closely with national medians for this major. That 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio falls into reasonable territory, meaning graduates would dedicate less than a year's gross salary to their educational debt, though the absolute earning power remains modest for a four-year degree.

The challenge becomes clearer when you look at Ohio's communication landscape. Top programs in the state—Denison, University of Dayton, Ohio State—report actual outcomes in the $41,000-$47,000 range for first-year graduates. Lourdes's estimated position, while aligning with the state median, sits $5,000-$11,000 below these documented performers. For a field where networking, internship access, and institutional reputation significantly influence early career opportunities, that gap matters more than in some other majors.

The practical question: can this program provide the connections and experience that help communication graduates land stronger positions? With 27% of students on Pell grants, Lourdes serves families for whom an extra $5,000 in debt to attend a higher-earning program might not be feasible. But if comparable state schools with better placement records are accessible, the estimated earnings trajectory here suggests you'd be starting several steps behind. Ask specifically about internship partnerships, alumni networks in media markets, and actual job placement—the things that make or break early outcomes in this competitive field.