Communication and Media Studies (Associate's Degree) at Wright State University-Main Campus

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,767

Est. from OH median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$17,922

Est. from OH median (3 programs)

Analysis

Similar Communication and Media Studies associate's programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $39,000—significantly above the national median of $27,000 for this credential. That's encouraging, but the estimated debt load of nearly $18,000 represents almost half a year's salary, notably higher than the national median of $12,000 for comparable programs. For an associate's degree that typically takes two years, this debt level warrants careful consideration of alternatives.

The earnings estimate comes from just three Ohio programs with reported data, including two University of Cincinnati campuses and Sinclair Community College, all showing similar outcomes. Wright State's open admissions and relatively strong Pell grant enrollment suggest good access, but without actual graduate data for this specific program, it's unclear whether these students reach the state benchmark or fall short. The field itself tends toward modest starting salaries even with decent outcomes, meaning limited room to absorb unexpected debt or delayed completion.

Before committing, compare the total cost here against Ohio's community colleges offering the same credential. If your student is set on Wright State, push the financial aid office for details on typical completion time and loan amounts for this particular program—not just institutional averages. An extra semester or $5,000 in additional borrowing could quickly turn a manageable debt ratio into a concerning one for someone starting around $39,000.

Where Wright State University-Main Campus Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Communication and Media Studies associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (11 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Wright State University-Main CampusDayton	$11,188	$38,767*	—	$17,922*	—
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati	$13,570	$38,767*	—	$17,922*	0.46
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash CollegeBlue Ash	$6,992	$38,767*	—	$17,922*	0.46
Sinclair Community CollegeDayton	$3,435	$32,284*	$28,922	$11,944*	0.37
National Median	—	$27,123*	—	$11,944*	0.44

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Wright State University-Main Campus, approximately 33% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.