Communication and Media Studies at DeVry University-Georgia

DeVry University-Georgia's Communication and Media Studies program delivers something unusual: graduates earning 38% more than the national median and 38% more than the typical Georgia communication graduate. At nearly $48,000 in first-year earnings, this program outperforms prestigious names like Emory and trails only UGA and Kennesaw State among Georgia schools.

The challenge is debt. At $56,858, graduates carry more than double the national median and nearly double Georgia's typical communication program debt. This creates a workable but tight financial picture—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.19 means graduates owe slightly more than they earn in their first year. More concerning is the earnings plateau: salaries remain essentially flat between years one and four, suggesting limited advancement opportunities. With 61% of DeVry students receiving Pell grants, this debt burden hits financially vulnerable families hardest.

For parents, this comes down to alternatives. If your child can access UGA or Kennesaw State (which offer similar or better earnings with less debt), those are clearer choices. But if they're deciding between DeVry and other private communication programs charging similar tuition, this program at least delivers competitive earnings that justify the investment better than most. Just know that the financial breathing room will be tight for several years post-graduation, and career growth may require deliberate effort beyond what the degree alone provides.