Communication and Media Studies at University of Toledo

The University of Toledo's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $30,591 in their first year—about $5,000 below Ohio's median for this major and nearly $4,400 below the national average. While that 40th percentile ranking among Ohio programs might sound middling, it's worth noting that graduates from the state's top programs (Denison, Dayton, Ohio State) earn $10,000-$17,000 more annually right out of college. That's a meaningful gap that compounds over time.

The debt load of $25,500 is essentially average, but paired with those first-year earnings, you're looking at a debt-to-income ratio of 0.83—higher than ideal for a communications degree. The 18% earnings growth to $36,122 by year four helps, but even at that point, graduates are still earning less than many of their peers started with at other Ohio schools. Toledo's 95% admission rate means most students can get in, but the employment outcomes suggest the program isn't opening doors to the better-paying communications roles that require stronger credentials or networks.

If your child is set on communications and Toledo is the most affordable option, understand they'll likely need to hustle harder for internships and connections to break into higher-paying roles. Otherwise, consider whether one of Ohio's stronger programs—or a different major at Toledo—might justify the investment more clearly.