Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,571
95th percentile
60th percentile in Arizona
Median Debt
$22,500
10% below national median

Analysis

ASU's Communication and Media Studies program delivers exceptional value, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings while maintaining reasonable debt levels. With first-year graduates earning $44,571β€”nearly $10,000 above the national median for this fieldβ€”this program significantly outperforms most communication programs nationwide. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 is manageable, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to handle their student loans.

However, within Arizona's competitive landscape, the picture is more nuanced. While ASU ranks 60th percentile statewide for earnings, this actually reflects the strong overall quality of Arizona's communication programs rather than any weakness at ASU. The program ties for second-highest earnings among Arizona schools, trailing only University of Phoenix by about $3,400. The 18% earnings growth from year one to year four shows solid career trajectory potential.

The $22,500 median debt sits right at Arizona's median for this field, suggesting ASU provides strong value without premium pricing. With robust sample size backing these numbers, parents can feel confident in the data quality. For students interested in communication and media, this program offers a compelling combination of strong national recognition and solid financial outcomes that justify the investment.

Where Arizona State University Campus Immersion Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Arizona State University Campus Immersion graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Arizona State University Campus Immersion$44,571$52,664+18%
University of Arizona$42,993$63,294+47%
Arizona State University Digital Immersion$44,571$52,664+18%
University of Phoenix-Arizona$47,919$49,715+4%
Northern Arizona University$41,491$40,253-3%

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (8 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe$12,051$44,571$52,664$22,5000.50
University of Phoenix-ArizonaPhoenix$9,552$47,919$49,715$45,0000.94
Arizona State University Digital ImmersionScottsdaleβ€”$44,571$52,664$22,5000.50
University of ArizonaTucson$13,626$42,993$63,294$19,7500.46
Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff$12,652$41,491$40,253$19,3750.47
Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix$17,450$38,507$36,765$27,0000.70
National Medianβ€”$34,959β€”$25,0000.72

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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 Arizona State University Campus Immersion, approximately 30% 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 1064 graduates with reported earnings and 1100 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.