Analysis
Based on comparable journalism programs in Ohio, Tiffin's bachelor's degree suggests first-year earnings around $38,200—which sits right at the state median and at the 75th percentile nationally. That's a meaningful distinction in a field where many graduates struggle to reach $35,000 in their first year. The estimated $25,000 in debt produces a ratio of 0.65, meaning graduates would owe roughly 8 months of their first-year salary. In journalism, where entry salaries are notoriously compressed, that's a manageable starting point.
The challenge is that we're working entirely with estimates here—neither the earnings nor debt figures come from Tiffin's actual graduates in this program. The earnings estimate derives from Ohio's median across journalism programs, while the debt figure reflects national patterns at similar private institutions. Bowling Green's journalism graduates, for instance, do earn over $41,000, showing there's variation even within the state. With Tiffin's 80% admission rate and mid-range academic profile, it's unclear whether their program performs at, above, or below the state average.
For parents, this means you're betting on Tiffin to deliver outcomes similar to the typical Ohio journalism program. The numbers suggest that's potentially viable—journalism programs elsewhere often leave graduates with worse debt-to-earnings pictures—but you're making that investment without the school's track record to confirm it. If your student is set on journalism and Tiffin offers compelling connections or specializations, the estimated economics don't scream warning signs, but they also don't provide certainty.
Where Tiffin University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all journalism bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (27 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,400 | $38,246* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $14,081 | $41,159* | $42,357 | $27,000* | 0.66 | |
| $6,178 | $38,246* | $51,321 | $24,208* | 0.63 | |
| $6,178 | $38,246* | $51,321 | $24,208* | 0.63 | |
| $6,178 | $38,246* | $51,321 | $24,208* | 0.63 | |
| $6,178 | $38,246* | $51,321 | $24,208* | 0.63 | |
| National Median | — | $34,515* | — | $24,250* | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with journalism graduates
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Film and Video Editors
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Photographers
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
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 Tiffin University, approximately 36% 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 12 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.