Communication and Media Studies at Carson-Newman University

Carson-Newman's Communication and Media Studies program starts graduates at $28,221—about $7,000 below the national median but slightly above Tennessee's state median of $27,380. Here's the twist: while this ranks in just the 16th percentile nationally, it's in the 60th percentile among Tennessee programs, meaning it actually outperforms most in-state competitors despite the modest absolute numbers. The debt load of $20,235 is reasonable, coming in below both state and national averages, which creates a manageable 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The real question is whether modest but stable growth (earnings reach nearly $31,000 by year four) is enough. Tennessee's communication programs show dramatic variation—from over $41,000 at Belmont and UT-Knoxville down to under $30,000 at most others. Carson-Newman sits in the middle tier, and for students committed to staying in Tennessee's media market, these earnings may reflect realistic regional wages rather than program weakness.

The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual career choices heavily influence these numbers. For a family weighing this program, the key consideration is whether your student can leverage Carson-Newman's connections in East Tennessee or needs access to Nashville's stronger media market, where Belmont and MTSU graduates clearly earn more. The debt is manageable, but the earnings ceiling appears lower than flagship alternatives.