Communication and Media Studies at Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa's Communication and Media Studies program starts rough but shows genuine momentum. Graduates earn $32,899 in their first year—about $4,000 below the Colorado median for this degree—but by year four they're making $42,121, a 28% jump that outpaces typical growth in this field. That trajectory matters because many communication grads struggle to gain traction beyond entry-level positions.

The program sits in the bottom half of Colorado's communication programs, trailing Boulder and CSU-Fort Collins by significant margins. However, the $23,036 in median debt is manageable, especially as earnings climb. That 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't ideal for year one, but it looks considerably better by year four when graduates are earning enough to service their loans comfortably. For context, this is an accessible program at a school where 81% of applicants are admitted, so expectations should be calibrated accordingly.

The clear message: if your child can weather a challenging first year or two financially—living at home, taking a side gig—this program builds toward decent mid-career earnings. Just don't expect the immediate payoff that Boulder or CSU graduates typically see. The growth curve suggests graduates who stick with the industry find better opportunities over time, but those first years will require patience and hustle.