Median Debt
$21,937
12% below national median

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (68 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Biola University$47,185$21,937
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo$62,183$60,521$14,9280.24
Ashford University$58,089$41,621$37,1880.64
Santa Clara University$51,720$71,818$18,5000.36
Pepperdine University$48,398$53,036$19,6670.41
University of Phoenix-California$47,919$49,715$45,0000.94
National Median$34,959$25,0000.72

Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo
$11,075$62,183$14,928
Ashford University
San Diego
$13,160$58,089$37,188
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara
$59,241$51,720$18,500
Pepperdine University
Malibu
$66,742$48,398$19,667
University of Phoenix-California
Ontario
$47,919$45,000

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 Biola University, approximately 26% 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.