Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,861
22nd percentile
25th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$27,000
8% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Walsh University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Walsh University$29,861$39,794+33%
University of Dayton$42,629$60,466+42%
John Carroll University$41,072$55,079+34%
Ohio State University-Main Campus$41,232$54,473+32%
Denison University$47,396$52,234+10%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Walsh UniversityNorth Canton$34,595$29,861$39,794$27,0000.90
Denison UniversityGranville$64,000$47,396$52,234$25,1870.53
University of DaytonDayton$47,600$42,629$60,466$25,3750.60
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$41,232$54,473$23,5000.57
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$41,138$46,535$23,8160.58
John Carroll UniversityUniversity Heights$49,100$41,072$55,079$27,0000.66
National Median$34,959$25,0000.72

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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.