Entry Level Salary
$44,026
Median Salary
$82,350
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
33.0%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,294,000
Entry (Early)
$44,026
Median (Prime)
$82,350
High (Prime)
$85,000
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-59k
+264k
+286k
$25k / yr
-149k
+174k
+196k
$50k / yr
-239k
+84k
+106k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
27
26
$25k / yr
Never
33
32
$50k / yr
Never
43
41
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-137%
160%
180%
$50k / yr
-110%
39%
49%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate22.8%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Management occupations
5.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$53,592
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$96,762|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Marketing managers
3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$55,736
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$87,497|$166,790
openings
34,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.9%
Elementary and middle school teachers
3.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$37,422
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,000|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%
Customer service representatives
2.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$41,802
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$55,611|$44,770
openings
289,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -5.3%
Human resources workers
2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$58,951
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$80,000|$76,700
openings
78,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Market research analysts and marketing specialists
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$50,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$66,910|$78,760
openings
82,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7%
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$57,928
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$103,237|$76,460
openings
123,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.5%
Top executives
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$79,941
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$165,000|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
Retail salespersons
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$29,200
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$43,234|$35,410
openings
520,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.3%
Lawyers, judges, and related workers
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$85,018
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$139,028|$155,120
openings
31,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.5%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| communication and media studies. | Undergrad Certificate | 35 | $37,679 - $68,990 |
| communication and media studies. | Associate's Degree | 189 | $28,646 - $65,280 |
| communication and media studies. | Bachelor's Degree | 1015 | $26,285 - $114,266 |
| communication and media studies. | Post-bacc Certificate | 3 | $68,613 - $68,613 |
| communication and media studies. | Master's Degree | 258 | $46,040 - $120,003 |
| communication and media studies. | Doctoral Degree | 73 | $69,654 - $89,233 |
| communication and media studies. | Graduate Certificate | 10 | $85,278 - $110,796 |
| radio, television, and digital communication. | Undergrad Certificate | 58 | $27,726 - $54,680 |
| radio, television, and digital communication. | Associate's Degree | 90 | $33,290 - $38,045 |
| radio, television, and digital communication. | Bachelor's Degree | 267 | $22,355 - $103,680 |
| radio, television, and digital communication. | Post-bacc Certificate | 4 | Data N/A |
| radio, television, and digital communication. | Master's Degree | 72 | $58,750 - $118,378 |
| radio, television, and digital communication. | Doctoral Degree | 7 | Data N/A |