Communication and Media Studies at Wittenberg University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Wittenberg's Communication and Media Studies graduates earn slightly above both the national and Ohio medians for this major, though with only a handful of graduates in the data set, these figures could shift considerably year to year. At $36,715, first-year earnings land in the 60th percentile statewide—a modest but real advantage over typical Ohio programs. The $27,000 in debt sits right around state and national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable if unremarkable.
The gap between Wittenberg and Ohio's top-performing programs is significant: Denison graduates earn $11,000 more their first year out, and several public universities exceed $41,000. For a private liberal arts college with a 91% acceptance rate, this raises questions about value. Parents paying premium tuition should weigh whether the small-school experience justifies earnings closer to regional public university levels than elite private competitors.
The small sample size matters here—your child's experience could differ substantially from these averages. If they're drawn to Wittenberg's tight-knit community and can keep debt near or below this median, the numbers aren't alarming. But if you're choosing between this and a comparable program at Ohio State or Cincinnati, those schools deliver better early earnings at similar or lower debt levels.
Where Wittenberg University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
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 Wittenberg University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Wittenberg University graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 59th percentile of all communication and media studies bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (54 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wittenberg University | $36,715 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
| Denison University | $47,396 | $52,234 | $25,187 | 0.53 |
| University of Dayton | $42,629 | $60,466 | $25,375 | 0.60 |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $41,232 | $54,473 | $23,500 | 0.57 |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $41,138 | $46,535 | $23,816 | 0.58 |
| John Carroll University | $41,072 | $55,079 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
| National Median | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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 Wittenberg University, approximately 29% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 19 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.