Analysis
Boston University's Communication and Media Studies program stands out as a top performer in a field often criticized for poor career prospects. With first-year earnings of $47,349—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile in Massachusetts—this program significantly outperforms the typical communication degree, which nationally yields just $35,000 in starting salary.
The debt picture is manageable at $25,108, creating a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53. More importantly, graduates see strong earning progression, with median pay jumping 46% to $69,156 by year four. Among Massachusetts programs, BU trails only Boston College in this field, positioning graduates well in the competitive Boston media market.
While communication degrees often struggle with career outcomes, BU's combination of prestigious brand recognition, strong alumni networks, and prime location in a major media hub appears to make a meaningful difference. The robust sample size gives confidence in these numbers. For families willing to invest in a selective program (11% admission rate), this represents one of the stronger financial returns available in communication studies.
Where Boston University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Boston University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | $36,380 | $60,224 | +66% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (37 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Boston UniversityBoston | $65,168 | $47,349 | $69,156 | $25,108 | 0.53 |
 Boston CollegeChestnut Hill | $67,680 | $55,162 | $65,184 | $18,500 | 0.34 |
 Northeastern University Professional ProgramsBoston | — | $47,465 | $67,761 | $23,250 | 0.49 |
| Northeastern UniversityBoston | $63,141 | $47,465 | $67,761 | $23,250 | 0.49 |
 Emerson CollegeBoston | $55,392 | $44,108 | $54,641 | $23,953 | 0.54 |
 University of Massachusetts-BostonBoston | $15,496 | $42,480 | $48,631 | $26,500 | 0.62 |
| National Median | — | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
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 Boston University, approximately 18% 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 332 graduates with reported earnings and 297 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.