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Communication & Media at Sinclair Community College

Dayton, OH · Public · Associate Degree · Communication and Media Studies

serving 12,585 students in Dayton, OH.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $32,284 at Sinclair Community College come in 14% above the national median of $28,401 for Communication & Media programs.

The 56.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Communication & Media graduates.

With first-year pay of $32,284 far exceeding the $11,944 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #1 ranking out of 16 Communication & Media programs nationally puts Sinclair Community College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $32,284 to $38,860 shows 20% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

Communication & Media has a registered apprenticeship option through Public Affairs (Military Only) with a median wage of $69,780/yr — worth exploring for students who prefer structured on-the-job training.

52 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
52
Score
55
High End
Earnings $32,284/yr (14% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (45% shielded)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$401K
4.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
58.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
10 of 10
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$6,870
Out-of-state: $16,632
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,944
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,860
20% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Communication & Media graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Public relations managers $138,520 +5.0% 45%
Fundraising managers $123,480 +4.2% 44%
Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800 +2.1% 57%
Public relations managers
$138,520
+5.0% growth 45% AI-proof
Fundraising managers
$123,480
+4.2% growth 44% AI-proof
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800
+2.1% growth 57% AI-proof

View all 10 career paths with full salary data →

Communication & Media Career Guide

Explore what Communication & Media graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 16 programs nationwide.

Read the full Communication & Media career guide →

Compare & Explore

Communication & Media Overview

View all 16 schools offering Communication & Media →

Communication & Media at Other Schools

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus ($42,321) University of Cincinnati-Main Campus ($38,767) University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College ($38,767) Northampton County Area Community College ($30,471) Onondaga Community College ($29,915) Nassau Community College ($29,016) Full Sail University ($28,447) Rochester Community and Technical College ($27,798)

Other Majors at Sinclair Community College

Nursing ($69,403) Computer Engineering Technology ($60,462) Allied Health Professions ($57,923) Dental Assisting ($53,091) Mechanical Engineering Technology ($48,312) Computer Networking ($45,772) Business Administration ($45,758) Clinical Laboratory Science ($45,022)

Explore the Degree Alternative

Compare Communication & Media degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 52/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Communication & Media at Sinclair Community College?
A score of 52/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Communication & Media field.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication & Media at Sinclair Community College?
Our scenarios model 55% of Communication & Media tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Sinclair Community College's 52/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
How many job openings are there for Communication & Media graduates?
The large job market (83,300 annual openings) works in favor of Communication & Media graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →