Analysis
Ohio State's Communication and Media Studies program delivers strong financial outcomes that should ease parental concerns about return on investment. With first-year earnings of $41,232, graduates earn 18% more than the national average for this field and rank in the 83rd percentile nationally—meaning this program outperforms roughly 4 out of 5 similar programs across the country. The $23,500 median debt load is also below both national and Ohio averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57.
What's particularly compelling is the earnings trajectory: graduates see 32% income growth from year one to year four, reaching $54,473. This suggests the program builds skills that translate into career advancement. While Ohio State ranks 60th percentile within Ohio (solidly middle-of-the-pack among state programs), it's competitive with respected private institutions like University of Cincinnati and John Carroll University, but at likely lower tuition costs given its public status.
The bottom line: this program offers above-average earnings potential with below-average debt burden, backed by robust data from 100+ graduates. For parents worried about their child's financial future in a media field, Ohio State provides a relatively safe bet with clear upward mobility potential.
Where Ohio State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $41,232 | $54,473 | +32% |
| University of Dayton | $42,629 | $60,466 | +42% |
| John Carroll University | $41,072 | $55,079 | +34% |
| Denison University | $47,396 | $52,234 | +10% |
| Miami University-Hamilton | $34,959 | $50,404 | +44% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (54 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus | $12,859 | $41,232 | $54,473 | $23,500 | 0.57 |
 Denison UniversityGranville | $64,000 | $47,396 | $52,234 | $25,187 | 0.53 |
 University of DaytonDayton | $47,600 | $42,629 | $60,466 | $25,375 | 0.60 |
 University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati | $13,570 | $41,138 | $46,535 | $23,816 | 0.58 |
 John Carroll UniversityUniversity Heights | $49,100 | $41,072 | $55,079 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
 Xavier UniversityCincinnati | $48,125 | $39,771 | — | $26,825 | 0.67 |
| National Median | — | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
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 Ohio State University-Main Campus, approximately 19% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 571 graduates with reported earnings and 550 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.