Communication and Media Studies at University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College

UC-Blue Ash graduates with this associate's degree earn $38,767 in their first year—a striking 43% above the national median for communication programs and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. The debt load of $17,922 is higher than typical for this field, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 remains manageable, especially given those strong earnings. Within Ohio, this program sits right at the state median for earnings, matching what UC's main campus delivers and outperforming competitors like Sinclair by nearly $6,500.

The combination of unusually high starting pay for a two-year communications degree and relatively modest debt makes this an attractive entry point into the field. One year out, these graduates are earning more than many bachelor's degree holders in similar programs. However, the small graduating class (under 30 students) means these numbers could fluctuate significantly year to year—your child's experience might vary from these averages.

For parents weighing community college options in media and communications, this program offers a concrete return: graduates enter the workforce earning well above what most associate's degree holders in this field make nationally, with debt that's payable within a reasonable timeframe. It's a low-risk way to test interest in communications while building marketable skills.