Communication and Media Studies at DeVry University-California

DeVry's communication program graduates earn nearly $48,000 right out of school—substantially higher than the $34,960 national median and well above California's $38,100 median for the same degree. Among California's 68 communication programs, this lands in the 80th percentile, trailing only schools like Cal Poly SLO and a few private universities. But here's the catch: graduates carry $56,858 in debt, more than triple the national median and over three times California's typical $18,250. That debt load means starting salaries barely cover 84% of what's owed.

The stagnant earnings trajectory—essentially flat between year one and year four—means that high debt burden doesn't get easier to manage over time. While many communication majors see modest income growth as they gain experience, DeVry graduates appear to plateau quickly. Given that 54% of students receive Pell grants, this debt-to-earnings ratio could prove particularly challenging for families without financial cushions.

The bottom line: your child would likely out-earn most communication graduates, but they'd be paying a steep premium to do so. If they can attend one of California's public universities with similar career outcomes and dramatically lower debt, that's almost certainly the smarter financial path. The earnings advantage here doesn't justify borrowing three times the typical amount.