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 North Carolina

Educational/Instructional Media Design masters's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (9 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Appalachian State University$53,655
North Carolina State University at Raleigh$60,244
East Carolina University$58,529$59,555
Gardner-Webb University$52,313
National Median$62,499

Other Educational/Instructional Media Design Programs in North Carolina

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh
$8,895$60,244
East Carolina University
Greenville
$7,361$58,529
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs
$33,450$52,313

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 Appalachian State University, approximately 26% 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.