Communication and Media Studies at Augusta University

Augusta University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning roughly $31,000 in their first year—about $4,000 below Georgia's median for this major and $3,700 below the national average. While the program ranks middle-of-the-pack within Georgia (40th percentile), it falls in the 26th percentile nationally. The gap widens when comparing to top Georgia programs: University of Georgia graduates earn $44,000, and even University of North Georgia graduates start at $38,000. The modest 8% earnings growth to $33,000 by year four suggests limited salary progression in whatever career paths these graduates pursue.

The debt picture adds another layer of concern. At $30,520, graduates carry more debt than 95% of Communication programs nationally—a red flag given the below-average earnings. The near-1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates face a full year's salary in student loans, which typically translates to monthly payments consuming 10-15% of take-home pay for a decade. For context, financial advisors generally recommend keeping total education debt below annual starting salary.

For families considering this program, the math is straightforward: higher-than-average debt paired with lower-than-average earnings creates financial pressure that could limit your child's post-graduation choices. If communications is the goal, stronger options exist within Georgia's public university system at similar or lower price points with significantly better earning outcomes.