Analysis
Aquinas College's Communication and Media Studies program starts graduates at $31,817—about $4,200 below Michigan's median for the degree and roughly $3,100 below the national average. Among the state's 34 programs, this places near the middle of the pack at the 40th percentile, well behind institutions like U-M ($50,556) and Albion ($39,209). The relatively low debt load of $22,232 helps soften the blow, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70, but parents should recognize their child would be earning significantly less than peers at comparable Michigan schools.
The 39% earnings jump from year one to year four ($31,817 to $44,289) suggests graduates eventually find their footing, though reaching $44,000 by year four still trails what other programs deliver immediately. The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—means these figures could shift considerably with more data, so treat them as directional rather than definitive.
For families prioritizing affordable debt over peak earnings potential, Aquinas delivers a reasonable financial package. But if your child is competitive for programs at Hope, Albion, or Michigan State, the $8,000-$20,000 earnings gap from day one deserves serious consideration, particularly in a field where early career momentum matters.
Where Aquinas College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Aquinas College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquinas College | $31,817 | $44,289 | +39% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $50,556 | $66,507 | +32% |
| Michigan State University | $36,390 | $55,915 | +54% |
| Central Michigan University | $31,913 | $51,268 | +61% |
| Albion College | $39,209 | $49,262 | +26% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Aquinas CollegeGrand Rapids | $38,520 | $31,817 | $44,289 | $22,232 | 0.70 |
 University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor | $17,228 | $50,556 | $66,507 | $20,376 | 0.40 |
 Albion CollegeAlbion | $55,746 | $39,209 | $49,262 | $27,000 | 0.69 |
 Hope CollegeHolland | $40,420 | $38,956 | $47,958 | $27,000 | 0.69 |
 Oakland UniversityRochester Hills | $14,694 | $37,795 | $45,064 | $24,125 | 0.64 |
 Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti | $15,510 | $36,717 | $43,310 | $29,102 | 0.79 |
| National Median | — | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
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 Aquinas College, approximately 23% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 19 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.