Entry Level Salary
$39,116
Median Salary
$77,624
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
30.3%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,104,960
Entry (Early)
$39,116
Median (Prime)
$77,624
High (Prime)
$81,100
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
-103k
+226k
+254k
$25k / yr
-193k
+136k
+164k
$50k / yr
-283k
+46k
+74k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
27
27
$25k / yr
Never
35
33
$50k / yr
Never
48
44
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-178%
125%
151%
$50k / yr
-130%
21%
34%
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 Rate19.3%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Management occupations
4.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$46,343
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$86,893|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Producers and directors
4.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$47,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$74,115|$90,360
openings
12,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4%
Marketing managers
2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$54,557
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$77,203|$166,790
openings
34,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.9%
Television, video, and film camera operators and editors
2.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$64,311|$75,100
openings
5,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.6%
Elementary and middle school teachers
2.4% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$46,343
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,951|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%
Software developers
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$81,375
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$120,000|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%
Customer service representatives
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$32,155
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$44,257|$44,770
openings
289,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -5.3%
Market research analysts and marketing specialists
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$49,796
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$70,000|$78,760
openings
82,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7%
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$34,757
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$51,469|$48,520
openings
113,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -3.7%
Top executives
1.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$55,611
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$150,604|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
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 |