Communication and Media Studies at Aquinas College

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.