Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (34 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Adrian College$45,740
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor$50,556$66,507$20,3760.40
Albion College$39,209$49,262$27,0000.69
Hope College$38,956$47,958$27,0000.69
Oakland University$37,795$45,064$24,1250.64
Eastern Michigan University$36,717$43,310$29,1020.79
National Median$34,959$25,0000.72

Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in Michigan

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor
$17,228$50,556$20,376
Albion College
Albion
$55,746$39,209$27,000
Hope College
Holland
$40,420$38,956$27,000
Oakland University
Rochester Hills
$14,694$37,795$24,125
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti
$15,510$36,717$29,102

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 Adrian College, approximately 31% 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.