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 stagnationβit 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 glanceβit'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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crown College | β | $35,352 | β |
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,200 | $40,423* | $35,352 | $27,000* | β | |
| $54,310 | $50,074* | $54,826 | $27,000* | 0.54 | |
| $25,000 | $46,327* | β | β* | β | |
| $9,780 | $46,320* | $53,180 | $34,933* | 0.75 | |
| $53,884 | $45,702* | $56,614 | $27,000* | 0.59 | |
| $52,284 | $45,100* | β | $27,000* | 0.60 | |
| National Median | β | $34,959* | β | $25,000* | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
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.