Communication and Media Studies at Cornerstone University

Starting at just over $30,000 annually, graduates of Cornerstone's Communication and Media Studies program earn about $5,000 less than typical Michigan graduates in this field and roughly $4,300 below the national median. While the debt load of $25,125 appears manageable on paper—matching the national average—it represents nearly 82% of first-year earnings, which means new graduates will likely feel significant financial pressure in those critical early career years. The program ranks at the 40th percentile among Michigan schools, placing it solidly in the bottom half of in-state options where students could potentially save on tuition.

The small sample size here (fewer than 30 graduates) is crucial context that parents should weigh carefully. These numbers could shift considerably with more data, but they currently suggest this program struggles to match the earning power of competing Michigan schools. When nearby Hope College graduates earn $8,000 more annually and even large public universities like Eastern Michigan top $36,000, families should ask hard questions about what differentiates this program and whether Cornerstone's faith-based environment or smaller community justifies the earnings gap.

For families prioritizing communication skills within a Christian context, this might still align with your values. But if return on investment matters—and with nearly $1 in debt for every $1 of first-year income, it should—explore whether similar programs at Michigan's public universities might better position your student financially while they build their career.