Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree) at Wittenberg University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$36,715

59th percentile

60th percentile in Ohio

Median Debt

$27,000

8% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Wittenberg University graduates compare to all programs nationally

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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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Wittenberg UniversitySpringfield	$44,602	$36,715	—	$27,000	0.74
Denison UniversityGranville	$64,000	$47,396	$52,234	$25,187	0.53
University of DaytonDayton	$47,600	$42,629	$60,466	$25,375	0.60
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus	$12,859	$41,232	$54,473	$23,500	0.57
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati	$13,570	$41,138	$46,535	$23,816	0.58
John Carroll UniversityUniversity Heights	$49,100	$41,072	$55,079	$27,000	0.66
National Median	—	$34,959	—	$25,000	0.72

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 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.