Communication and Media Studies at Miami University-Oxford

Miami's communication program starts graduates at exactly the national median but trails most Ohio schools, landing in just the 40th percentile statewide. That's $5,000 behind Ohio State and $7,000 behind Dayton—competitors your child might also be considering. However, the real story here unfolds after that first year: graduates see 44% earnings growth by year four, reaching $50,404. That trajectory outpaces many peers and suggests the degree builds momentum over time.

The $21,500 debt load sits comfortably below both national and state medians, making this more affordable than 76% of comparable programs nationwide. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 means your child could feasibly pay off loans in a reasonable timeframe, especially as their salary grows. For a family-friendly public university with an 82% admission rate, these outcomes reflect solid fundamentals—graduates aren't starting at the top but aren't drowning in debt either.

The strategic question: Does your child thrive in environments where they'll need to grow into their earning potential, or would they benefit from a program with stronger immediate placement? If patience and career development are acceptable, Miami offers a relatively low-risk path forward. If maximizing that first paycheck matters—for loan payments or cost of living—the stronger Ohio programs deliver $6,000-$12,000 more right out of the gate.