Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

University of Cincinnati's media program starts weak but rebounds impressively—graduates earn just $28,719 in their first year, slightly below both state and national medians. However, earnings nearly double by year four to reach $50,809, placing this program among Ohio's top performers and substantially ahead of the state median of $29,086. That 77% earnings growth trajectory suggests graduates may start in entry-level production or intern-adjacent roles before transitioning into better-paying positions.

The $25,000 debt load is reasonable relative to that eventual earning power, though the first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 means your child should expect a tight budget initially. The fact that this program ultimately matches the earnings of Miami University's highly-regarded media programs—despite UC's much lower admission selectivity—indicates strong industry connections or career services that help students climb the ladder. Most Ohio media programs show earnings in the low $30,000s even four years out, making UC's long-term performance particularly notable.

If your child can manage lean early years (potentially living at home or working a second job initially), this program offers a viable path into media careers. The key is having realistic expectations about that first year and potentially lining up internships that convert to full-time roles post-graduation. Just be prepared: this is a "pay your dues" field where career success depends heavily on persistence through those early, lower-earning years.