Communication and Media Studies at Columbia College
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (25 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia College | — | $43,124 | $28,644 | — |
| Furman University | $41,766 | $56,966 | $22,631 | 0.54 |
| College of Charleston | $36,903 | $50,262 | $23,250 | 0.63 |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | $35,586 | — | $25,500 | 0.72 |
| Winthrop University | $35,198 | $34,529 | $27,000 | 0.77 |
| University of South Carolina Aiken | $34,654 | $38,731 | $28,000 | 0.81 |
| National Median | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in South Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furman University Greenville | $58,312 | $41,766 | $22,631 |
| College of Charleston Charleston | $12,978 | $36,903 | $23,250 |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia | $12,688 | $35,586 | $25,500 |
| Winthrop University Rock Hill | $15,956 | $35,198 | $27,000 |
| University of South Carolina Aiken Aiken | $10,760 | $34,654 | $28,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Columbia College, approximately 53% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.