Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Miami University-Hamilton

Miami University-Hamilton's radio and digital communication program delivers earnings that blow past typical outcomes in this field—graduates earn $50,938 in their first year, nearly double both the national and Ohio medians of roughly $30,000. Landing in the 95th percentile nationally and statewide isn't just good; it's exceptional for a field often associated with entry-level media salaries and uncertain career paths.

The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $24,250, the debt burden sits right at national and state averages, but paired with those top-tier earnings, the debt-to-income ratio of 0.48 is remarkably manageable. Graduates can realistically pay off their loans within two years of full-time work if they prioritize it. The 18% earnings growth to nearly $60,000 by year four suggests graduates aren't just getting lucky with first jobs—they're building sustainable careers. With over 100 graduates in the data sample, these aren't flukes.

For parents worried about their child pursuing a "creative" major, this program offers a rare combination: the opportunity to study media and communication without the financial precarity that often accompanies those degrees. Among Ohio's 28 programs, only Miami's affiliated campuses match these outcomes. If your child is serious about broadcast or digital media, this represents one of the strongest returns on investment you'll find in the field.