Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,804
Est. from OH median (32 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,100
Est. from OH median (12 programs)

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 marketβ€”54 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 $35,000β€”even 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)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
The University of FindlayFindlay$39,646$35,804*β€”$26,100*β€”
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
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$41,232*$54,473$23,500*0.57
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
National Medianβ€”$34,959*β€”$25,000*0.72
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/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:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/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

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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.