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Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Ohio

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Ohio's Communication and Media Studies programs reveal striking cost differences that don't always predict career outcomes. Miami University's branch campuses in Hamilton and Middletown charge just $13,346 and $13,824 respectively, yet graduates earn $40,089 annually, matching the earnings of the main Oxford campus that costs $27,662. This pattern reflects Ohio's media market, where Cleveland's broadcasting heritage and Columbus's growing tech sector create opportunities across the state. The data shows public universities dominate the value rankings, with Wright State offering particularly strong returns at $15,216 net cost for $36,040 in graduate earnings. Private options like Mount St. Joseph University provide competitive value at $16,135, though graduation rates vary significantly across institutions. Ohio's manufacturing and healthcare sectors increasingly need communication professionals, making these programs particularly relevant for students seeking practical career preparation.
50
Programs
$4,503 – $38,111
Net Price Range
$34,878
Avg. Program Earnings
49.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,346 $40,089 $7,278 21.6%
2 $13,824 $40,089 $7,278 24.5%
3 $15,216 $36,040 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
4 $16,065 $35,864 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
5 $18,292 $40,447 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
6 $16,135 $33,281 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
7 $19,470 $37,748 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
8 $19,614 $34,268 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
9 $17,460 $29,956 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
10 $20,413 $35,014 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
11 $23,156 $35,060 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
12 $25,766 $38,829 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
13 $20,088 $30,119 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
14 $22,872 $33,993 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
15 $27,662 $40,089 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
16 $20,477 $29,141 $32,606 36.6% 78.5%
17 $23,987 $33,993 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
18 $25,022 $35,420 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
19 $20,004 $27,681 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
20 $22,140 $30,228 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
21 $31,236 $42,235 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
22 $28,617 $36,521 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
23 $27,654 $34,526 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
24 $23,585 $25,194 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
25 $38,111 $36,134 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
26 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
27 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
28 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
29 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
30 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
31 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
32 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
33 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
34 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
35 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
36 $10,679 $7,272 26.8%
37 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
38 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
39 $23,722 $38,778 36.7% 62.9%
40 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
41 $22,605 $9,577 30.3%
42 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
43 $10,753 $7,272 25.8%
44 $10,569 $7,272 9.8%
45 $11,310 $7,272 37.3%
46 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
47 $11,480 $7,272 37.1%
48 $11,593 $7,272 28.2%
49 $21,596 $28,930 38.1% 60.4%
50 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Miami University's branch campuses such strong values for Communication and Media Studies?

Miami University's Hamilton and Middletown campuses offer the same $40,089 graduate earnings as the main Oxford campus while charging roughly half the cost. Hamilton students pay $13,346 compared to Oxford's $27,662, creating a $14,316 annual savings. Both branch campuses maintain the Miami University brand and curriculum while serving different regional markets in Ohio.

How do graduation rates affect the value proposition at Ohio schools?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 21.60% at Miami Hamilton to 87.70% at Ohio State's main campus. Schools like Cleveland State achieve 48.90% graduation rates at $16,065 net cost, while Ohio State delivers 87.70% completion at just $2,227 more annually. These completion rates significantly impact the true cost per successful graduate across Ohio programs.

Is Wright State University a good value despite its high acceptance rate?

Wright State accepts 95.22% of applicants yet delivers solid career outcomes with $36,040 graduate earnings at $15,216 net cost. The 45.90% graduation rate means roughly half of students complete the program successfully. Located in Dayton, Wright State benefits from proximity to both Cincinnati and Columbus media markets.

Does attending a private college in Ohio provide better Communication and Media Studies outcomes?

Private options like Wittenberg University cost $19,470 but produce $37,748 graduate earnings with 53.80% completion rates. The College of Wooster charges $25,766 yet achieves 73.60% graduation rates and $38,829 earnings. Most private schools in Ohio cost more than public alternatives while delivering mixed results on career outcomes.

Where do Communication and Media Studies graduates find the best job markets in Ohio?

Columbus and Cleveland lead Ohio's media employment, with Ohio State graduates earning $40,447 and Cleveland State alumni making $35,864. Cincinnati offers growing opportunities in corporate communication, reflected in University of Cincinnati graduates earning $35,060. Ohio's healthcare and manufacturing sectors increasingly hire communication professionals, with Cleveland Clinic and Honda among major regional employers.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.