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 Pennsylvania

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (63 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Alvernia University$47,004
University of Pennsylvania$53,022$77,464$15,6370.29
Villanova University$52,294$61,471$26,4560.51
Messiah University$45,021$45,306
Washington & Jefferson College$39,584$27,0000.68
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia$38,024$52,915$26,9900.71
National Median$34,959$25,0000.72

Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
$66,104$53,022$15,637
Villanova University
Villanova
$64,701$52,294$26,456
Messiah University
Mechanicsburg
$40,640$45,021
Washington & Jefferson College
Washington
$28,185$39,584$27,000
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia
$51,340$38,024$26,990

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 Alvernia University, approximately 34% 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.