Communication and Media Studies at Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina's Communication and Media Studies program starts slow but delivers something noteworthy: 44% earnings growth from year one to year four. That first-year figure of $29,821 sits well below both the national median ($34,959) and South Carolina's state median ($34,456), but by year four, graduates are earning $43,057—substantially above what most programs deliver.

The challenge is surviving that first year financially. With $25,000 in typical debt and starting earnings below $30,000, recent graduates face a tight initial period. However, this program ranks at the 40th percentile among South Carolina's 25 communication programs—middle of the pack in-state—and the debt load matches exactly the national median. Compare this to the state's top programs: Furman grads start at $41,766, but Coastal Carolina's graduates actually surpass College of Charleston's $36,903 median by year four.

If your child can navigate modest first-year earnings through side income, family support, or careful budgeting, the trajectory looks promising. The 80% admission rate makes this accessible, and the robust sample size (100+ graduates) means these numbers are reliable. This isn't a program for families counting on immediate high earnings to service debt, but the strong mid-career growth suggests the degree develops skills that employers increasingly value over time.