Communication and Media Studies at Claflin University

Claflin's Communication and Media Studies graduates earn just $23,156 in their first year—roughly $11,000 below South Carolina's median for this program and about $12,000 below the national average. That starting salary places this program in the bottom 10% both statewide and nationally, trailing significantly behind comparable South Carolina programs like College of Charleston ($36,903) and USC Columbia ($35,586). With $31,000 in debt—above both state and national medians—graduates face immediate financial pressure that will take years to ease.

The earnings picture does improve notably: by year four, graduates reach $32,079, representing 39% growth. However, this still lags behind what most Communication and Media Studies graduates earn immediately after graduation elsewhere. The debt burden remains concerning throughout this trajectory, as even the improved fourth-year salary means graduates are earning roughly what their debt balance is.

Context matters here: Claflin serves a primarily first-generation, Pell-eligible student population (73%), and for these students, any bachelor's degree can be transformative. But families need to understand that this specific program shows weak labor market outcomes compared to alternatives. If your child is committed to communications, programs at USC Columbia or College of Charleston offer substantially better starting salaries—$12,000 to $13,000 more annually—which makes a critical difference when managing student debt. Consider whether the immediate career outcomes justify the investment, or whether starting at a more affordable institution makes financial sense.