Communication and Media Studies at Curry College

Curry College's Communication and Media Studies graduates start exceptionally low—$27,516 puts them in just the 13th percentile nationally and 25th percentile among Massachusetts programs. That's $9,000 below the state median and nearly $7,500 below the national benchmark for this major. In a state where Boston University and Emerson College graduates from similar programs earn around $47,000 right out of the gate, this program trails significantly.

The silver lining is genuine earnings growth: graduates see a 61% jump by year four, reaching $44,228. That's solid momentum and suggests the program provides skills that eventually translate into better opportunities. The debt load of $26,000 is reasonable—matching both state and near-national medians—and becomes more manageable as earnings improve. By year four, the financial picture looks considerably better than it does initially.

For an anxious parent, the question is whether your child can weather those first few years of below-market earnings. If they'll be living at home or have other financial support during that early career phase, this could work out. But if they're moving to Boston and trying to cover rent immediately, that $27,516 starting salary will be extremely tight. If your child is considering grad school or careers where that four-year trajectory matters more than day-one earnings, this path has merit—just budget for a slow financial start.