Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,861
22nd percentile (25th in OH)
Median Debt
$27,000
8% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.90
Manageable
Sample Size
17
Limited data

Analysis

Walsh University's Communication program graduates start at nearly $30,000—substantially below both the Ohio median ($35,804) and national average ($34,959). Among Ohio's 54 Communication programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of similar programs produce higher-earning graduates. For context, Ohio State grads in this field earn $41,000, while University of Cincinnati grads make about the same—both roughly $11,000 more right out of college.

The 33% earnings jump by year four is encouraging, bringing graduates closer to $40,000, but that's still starting from a low base. With $27,000 in debt (slightly above state and national medians), the first year presents a tight financial situation—the debt nearly equals that initial salary. The debt-to-earnings ratio improves significantly as earnings grow, but those early years could be challenging for loan repayment.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it statistically unreliable. A few outliers could skew the picture dramatically. If your child is seriously considering Walsh for Communication, request more detailed placement data directly from the school and compare specific career outcomes to Ohio's stronger-performing programs. The current numbers suggest this program underperforms its in-state peers, but the small sample makes definitive conclusions risky.

Where Walsh University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally

Walsh UniversityOther communication and media studies programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Walsh University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Walsh University graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 22th percentile of all communication and media studies bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (54 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Walsh University$29,861$39,794$27,0000.90
Denison University$47,396$52,234$25,1870.53
University of Dayton$42,629$60,466$25,3750.60
Ohio State University-Main Campus$41,232$54,473$23,5000.57
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$41,138$46,535$23,8160.58
John Carroll University$41,072$55,079$27,0000.66
National Median$34,959—$25,0000.72

Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Denison University
Granville
$64,000$47,396$25,187
University of Dayton
Dayton
$47,600$42,629$25,375
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus
$12,859$41,232$23,500
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati
$13,570$41,138$23,816
John Carroll University
University Heights
$49,100$41,072$27,000

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 Walsh University, approximately 23% 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.