Est. Earnings (1yr)
$41,677
Est. from OH median (14 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,758
Est. from OH median (6 programs)

Analysis

Similar Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $42,000—a figure that sits comfortably above the national median and matches the state average. The estimated debt load of $26,758 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64, meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first-year salary. That's a manageable starting point, though it's worth noting that peer programs at Miami University produce significantly higher earnings (over $50,000), suggesting outcomes in this field can vary considerably even within the same state.

The challenge with communications degrees is that early earnings often reflect entry-level positions in competitive markets, and career progression depends heavily on networking, internships, and geographic flexibility. The estimated figures here don't reveal whether Findlay's specific program offers the industry connections or hands-on experience that could justify choosing it over lower-cost alternatives. With limited actual data available, you're essentially betting on whether this particular school's approach will match what comparable Ohio programs deliver.

For families weighing this option, the debt burden appears reasonable if those estimated earnings materialize, but consider that stronger-performing programs in Ohio exist at institutions like Miami University. If Findlay offers unique opportunities—strong internship pipelines, faculty with active industry connections, or a campus culture that fits your child—the numbers work. Otherwise, you're paying close to the state median debt with no guarantee you'll outperform the state median outcome.

Where The University of Findlay Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all public relations, advertising, and applied communication bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (30 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
The University of FindlayFindlay$39,646$41,677*$26,758*
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$50,700*$65,121$25,000*0.49
Miami University-MiddletownMiddletown$7,278$50,700*$65,121$25,000*0.49
Miami University-HamiltonHamilton$7,278$50,700*$65,121$25,000*0.49
Franklin UniversityColumbus$9,577$46,518*$49,680$42,017*0.90
Capital UniversityColumbus$41,788$45,235*$46,188$27,000*0.60
National Median$39,794*$24,625*0.62
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with public relations, advertising, and applied communication graduates

Advertising and Promotions Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.

$159,660/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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

Training and Development Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.

$127,090/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Technical Writers

Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

$91,670/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

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

Training and Development Specialists

Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.

$65,850/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Health Education Specialists

Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.

$63,000/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 14 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.