Communication and Media Studies at California Baptist University

California Baptist University's Communication and Media Studies graduates earn significantly more than the national median—$42,300 versus $34,959—placing them in the 88th percentile nationally. That's impressive positioning for a field often criticized for weak earnings. However, the California picture is more nuanced: at the 60th percentile statewide, these graduates earn about $4,200 more than California's median but still trail programs like Cal Poly SLO by nearly $20,000. With relatively moderate debt of $25,126 (close to both national and state medians), graduates face manageable repayment obligations—they'd owe roughly 59 cents for every dollar earned in their first year.

The earnings trajectory shows steady but modest growth, climbing 7% to $45,246 by year four. For context, CBU serves a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients (41%), and its accessible admission rate (74%) means this program provides solid outcomes for students who might not have access to California's most selective schools. The debt load here is actually higher than the California median of $18,250, which matters given the earnings don't quite reach the top tier of state programs.

For families weighing options: this program delivers above-average national results and respectable California performance at a reasonable debt level. If your child can access Cal Poly or similar public options at in-state tuition, those would likely offer better value. But among private California schools serving diverse student populations, CBU's communication program produces competitive real-world earnings without crushing debt.