Communication and Media Studies at Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Ohio's communication programs show wide variation in outcomes, and comparable programs in the state suggest Mount Vernon Nazarene's graduates might start around $35,800—roughly on par with the state median but significantly behind the top in-state programs like Denison ($47,400) and Dayton ($42,600). The estimated debt of $26,100 is close to both state and national norms for this major, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 that indicates manageable repayment under typical circumstances.

The real question is whether this program justifies its cost when other Ohio schools with reported data consistently produce 15-30% higher starting salaries. Similar programs across the state typically generate first-year earnings that make the debt serviceable but don't offer much financial cushion in those early career years. Communication degrees rarely command premium starting salaries anywhere, so the gap between Mount Vernon's estimated outcomes and top-performing programs matters more than it might in higher-earning fields.

For families prioritizing financial return, these estimates suggest Mount Vernon's program performs about average for Ohio—neither a standout value nor a clear risk. The uncertainty here cuts both ways: actual outcomes could exceed these estimates if Mount Vernon's specific program, network, or student support produces better results than the typical Ohio communication degree. But they could also fall short, and there's no way to know without reported data from this specific program.