Analysis
Similar communications programs across Ohio suggest earnings around $35,800 in the first year, which tracks closely with the national median for this field. That puts University of Findlay's estimated outcomes squarely in the middle of a crowded marketβ54 Ohio schools offer this degree. The estimated $26,100 in debt is slightly above both state and national medians, though the resulting 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio indicates manageable repayment for graduates who find steady work.
The challenge here isn't the debt load itself but what communications majors typically earn. Top Ohio programs like Denison and Dayton push graduates into the low $40,000s, demonstrating that institutional reputation matters significantly in this field. With an 86% admission rate and relatively few Pell recipients, Findlay occupies a different market position than these competitors, which likely explains why peer program data suggests more modest outcomes.
For anxious parents, the practical concern is whether $26,000 in debt makes sense when first-year earnings barely exceed $35,000βeven if the ratio seems workable on paper. Communications degrees live or die on internships, networking, and the specific skills students develop, none of which these estimates can capture. If your child is drawn to this program, understand you're making a calculated bet that Findlay's career services and connections will help them beat the state average, because simply matching it produces a tight financial margin.
Where The University of Findlay Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,646 | $35,804* | β | $26,100* | β | |
| $64,000 | $47,396* | $52,234 | $25,187* | 0.53 | |
| $47,600 | $42,629* | $60,466 | $25,375* | 0.60 | |
| $12,859 | $41,232* | $54,473 | $23,500* | 0.57 | |
| $13,570 | $41,138* | $46,535 | $23,816* | 0.58 | |
| $49,100 | $41,072* | $55,079 | $27,000* | 0.66 | |
| National Median | β | $34,959* | β | $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 The University of Findlay, approximately 14% 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 32 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.