Analysis
In Ohio, journalism programs cluster tightly around the $38,000 mark for first-year earnings, and comparable programs suggest Mount Vernon Nazarene's graduates land right at that state median. That's actually at the 75th percentile nationally—journalism salaries vary dramatically by market, and Ohio's figures sit above the national median of $34,515. The estimated $25,000 in debt produces a manageable 0.65 ratio, slightly below what most journalism programs carry.
The practical reality: your child would likely start their career making roughly $38,000 while managing about $650 in monthly loan payments on a standard repayment plan. That's tight but workable for a recent graduate willing to live modestly in their first job. Journalism has always been a field where passion matters as much as the paycheck, and these estimates suggest Mount Vernon's program won't saddle students with the kind of debt that makes career risk-taking impossible.
The uncertainty here matters—we're working from peer program data, not actual outcomes from Mount Vernon's journalism graduates. But the consistency across Ohio programs is reassuring. If your child is committed to journalism, the estimated financial picture here is reasonable compared to alternatives in the state, though you'll want to confirm they understand the profession's financial realities before committing.
Where Mount Vernon Nazarene University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all journalism bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (27 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,524 | $38,246* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $14,081 | $41,159* | $42,357 | $27,000* | 0.66 | |
| $6,178 | $38,246* | $51,321 | $24,208* | 0.63 | |
| $6,178 | $38,246* | $51,321 | $24,208* | 0.63 | |
| $6,178 | $38,246* | $51,321 | $24,208* | 0.63 | |
| $6,178 | $38,246* | $51,321 | $24,208* | 0.63 | |
| National Median | — | $34,515* | — | $24,250* | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with journalism graduates
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Film and Video Editors
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Photographers
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Mount Vernon Nazarene University, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 12 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.