Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,086
44th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$25,000
3% above national median

Analysis

Ohio University-Zanesville's broadcasting program starts slowly but shows impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 42% to reach $41,203 by year four. While that first-year salary of $29,086 sits at the state median, graduates who push through the initial lean period see substantial income growth—a pattern that suggests building valuable skills and industry connections over time.

The $25,000 debt load is manageable given the earnings trajectory, particularly when you consider that fourth-year income makes the initial investment look increasingly reasonable. Among Ohio's 28 broadcasting programs, this sits squarely in the middle of the pack—not competing with Miami University's standout $51,000 outcomes, but significantly outpacing what many regional programs deliver. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates means these aren't statistical flukes; this pattern is real.

The key question for parents: can your child weather those first few years when entry-level media salaries feel tight? If they're willing to build experience and advance within the field, this program offers solid long-term value at a debt level that won't become a financial anchor. Students chasing immediate post-graduation income might want to look elsewhere, but those comfortable with a typical media career arc will find this investment pays off reasonably well over time.

Where Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all radio, television, and digital communication bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Ohio University-Zanesville Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus$29,086$41,203+42%
Miami University-Middletown$50,938$59,993+18%
Miami University-Oxford$50,938$59,993+18%
Miami University-Hamilton$50,938$59,993+18%
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$28,719$50,809+77%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (28 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Zanesville CampusZanesville$6,178$29,086$41,203$25,0000.86
Miami University-HamiltonHamilton$7,278$50,938$59,993$24,2500.48
Miami University-MiddletownMiddletown$7,278$50,938$59,993$24,2500.48
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$50,938$59,993$24,2500.48
Cedarville UniversityCedarville$36,078$33,554$37,230$15,2500.45
University of Akron Main CampusAkron$12,799$31,699$34,810$26,0000.82
National Median$29,976$24,2500.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with radio, television, and digital communication graduates

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Producers and Directors

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Programming Directors

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Talent Directors

Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Technical Directors/Managers

Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Film and Video Editors

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

$70,570/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

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 University-Zanesville Campus, approximately 10% 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 305 graduates with reported earnings and 315 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.