Communication and Media Studies at Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern's Communication and Media Studies program puts graduates slightly behind the curve, with first-year earnings of $33,518 falling below both the national median ($34,959) and the South Carolina median ($34,456). Among the state's 25 programs, this ranks in the 40th percentile—meaning six in ten SC programs deliver stronger starting salaries. For context, nearby College of Charleston graduates earn $3,400 more in their first year, while Furman tops the state at nearly $42,000.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $27,000, borrowers face a manageable 0.81 debt-to-earnings ratio, lower than most communication programs nationally. This keeps monthly payments reasonable even with below-average earnings. The 7% earnings growth to year four suggests modest improvement over time, though graduates still trail state peers at that mark too.

Here's the practical reality: this program won't position your child at the front of South Carolina's media job market, but it won't bury them in debt either. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift year to year, but the pattern is clear enough. If your child is set on Charleston Southern for other reasons—faith-based environment, specific faculty, campus fit—the financial downside is limited. If career outcomes are the priority, the state's flagship or College of Charleston offer stronger earning potential at similar debt levels.