Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,380
Est. from MA median (21 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from MA median (15 programs)

Analysis

Similar Communication and Media Studies programs in Massachusetts suggest graduates start around $36,000 and climb to roughly $50,000 by their fourth yearβ€”a trajectory that puts Assumption in line with state norms but well behind programs at Boston College or Emerson. The estimated $26,000 in debt mirrors what other Massachusetts schools report for this major, creating a manageable first-year burden at 0.71 times earnings. That's workable, though not impressive.

The real question is whether that mid-30s starting salary translates to the kind of career momentum you'd hope for from a private liberal arts degree. The jump to nearly $50,000 by year four suggests some upward mobility, but communication graduates at peer Massachusetts schools face similar earnings trajectories. Given Assumption's 87% admission rate and relatively low Pell enrollment, you're paying for a selective experience without the salary premium that typically comes with it.

If your child is drawn to Assumption's community or Worcester location, the financial picture won't sink themβ€”the debt load is reasonable and comparable programs produce similar outcomes. But recognize that this major rarely commands high early earnings anywhere, and the estimated figures here don't suggest Assumption offers any particular advantage over less expensive state options. Make sure the fit is strong enough to justify the private school cost.

Where Assumption University Stands

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Assumption Universityβ€”$49,696β€”
Boston University$47,349$69,156+46%
Northeastern University$47,465$67,761+43%
Northeastern University Professional Programs$47,465$67,761+43%
Boston College$55,162$65,184+18%

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (37 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Assumption UniversityWorcester$49,414$36,380*$49,696$26,000*β€”
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill$67,680$55,162*$65,184$18,500*0.34
Northeastern University Professional ProgramsBostonβ€”$47,465*$67,761$23,250*0.49
Northeastern UniversityBoston$63,141$47,465*$67,761$23,250*0.49
Boston UniversityBoston$65,168$47,349*$69,156$25,108*0.53
Emerson CollegeBoston$55,392$44,108*$54,641$23,953*0.54
National Medianβ€”$34,959*β€”$25,000*0.72
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Assumption University, approximately 19% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 21 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.