Est. Earnings (1yr)
$40,423
Est. from MN median (19 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from MN median (10 programs)

Analysis

Minnesota's communication programs show a troubling pattern when you look at the actual reported outcomes: first-year earnings decline to $35,352 by year four. This isn't just stagnationβ€”it suggests many graduates struggle to establish themselves in stable media careers. Based on comparable programs in Minnesota, Crown's students likely start around $40,000, but if they follow the typical trajectory seen across the state, they'll be earning less after gaining work experience. That's the opposite of what you want from a bachelor's degree investment.

The estimated $27,000 in debt seems manageable at first glanceβ€”it's roughly in line with the state median for communication programs. But paired with declining earnings, it becomes harder to justify. Top communication programs in Minnesota consistently produce first-year earnings above $45,000, suggesting that program quality matters significantly in this field. Crown's position well below these benchmarks raises questions about whether graduates are gaining the skills and connections that translate to media industry success.

If your child is committed to communication studies, understand that this field requires scrutinizing placement outcomes and alumni networks carefully. The earnings drop-off visible in Minnesota's data suggests many graduates pivot away from their intended career paths or accept positions that don't require their degree. Without specific data showing Crown bucks this trend, you're betting on an uncertain outcome in a competitive field where other Minnesota schools demonstrate stronger early results.

Where Crown College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Crown Collegeβ€”$35,352β€”
College of Saint Benedict$45,702$56,614+24%
Gustavus Adolphus College$50,074$54,826+9%
Metropolitan State University$46,320$53,180+15%
Minnesota State University-Mankato$39,798$51,810+30%

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (29 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Crown CollegeSaint Bonifacius$30,200$40,423*$35,352$27,000*β€”
Gustavus Adolphus CollegeSaint Peter$54,310$50,074*$54,826$27,000*0.54
Concordia University-Saint PaulSaint Paul$25,000$46,327*β€”β€”*β€”
Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul$9,780$46,320*$53,180$34,933*0.75
College of Saint BenedictSaint Joseph$53,884$45,702*$56,614$27,000*0.59
University of St ThomasSaint Paul$52,284$45,100*β€”$27,000*0.60
National Medianβ€”$34,959*β€”$25,000*0.72
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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 Crown College, approximately 24% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 19 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.