Communication and Media Studies at Cabrini University

Cabrini's Communication and Media Studies program punches above its weight in Pennsylvania—graduates earn more than the state median and carry debt aligned with the state average, landing the program in the 60th percentile statewide. More importantly, the 27% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are building transferable skills that gain value quickly in the job market.

The first-year salary of $33,886 looks modest, but the debt picture tells a more favorable story. With $27,000 in borrowing and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.80, graduates face manageable repayment—roughly equivalent to $300 monthly on a standard plan. By year four, when earnings reach $43,151, that debt burden becomes even lighter relative to income. The program also carries less debt than 75% of similar programs nationally, which matters significantly for financial flexibility early in your career.

The trajectory here matters as much as the starting point. While Cabrini won't match Penn's $53,000 starting salaries, graduates are establishing themselves in roles with clear advancement potential. For families concerned about affordability at a small private university, this combination—reasonable debt, above-state-average outcomes, and strong early career growth—demonstrates solid return on investment in a field often criticized for weak earnings.