Analysis
Eastern Michigan's Communication and Media Studies program outperforms most of its in-state competitors while keeping debt manageable. With first-year earnings of $36,717 that climb to $43,310 by year four, graduates earn above both the national and Michigan medians. Among Michigan's 34 programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile—a respectable showing for a school with an 81% admission rate and significantly lower price point than elite alternatives like U-M Ann Arbor.
The debt picture strengthens this program's case. At $29,102, graduates carry slightly more than the state median, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79 means most will manage payments comfortably. More importantly, the debt burden ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more debt. That 18% earnings growth over four years also suggests graduates gain traction in their careers rather than stalling out.
For families concerned about return on investment in a creative field, Eastern Michigan delivers solid middle-tier outcomes without the debt load that plagues many communication programs. You won't match the $50,000+ salaries of Michigan's top-ranked program, but you'll avoid the financial stress that comes with borrowing heavily for a degree with uncertain career paths.
Where Eastern Michigan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Eastern Michigan University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Michigan University | $36,717 | $43,310 | +18% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $50,556 | $66,507 | +32% |
| Michigan State University | $36,390 | $55,915 | +54% |
| Central Michigan University | $31,913 | $51,268 | +61% |
| Albion College | $39,209 | $49,262 | +26% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti | $15,510 | $36,717 | $43,310 | $29,102 | 0.79 |
 University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor | $17,228 | $50,556 | $66,507 | $20,376 | 0.40 |
 Albion CollegeAlbion | $55,746 | $39,209 | $49,262 | $27,000 | 0.69 |
 Hope CollegeHolland | $40,420 | $38,956 | $47,958 | $27,000 | 0.69 |
 Oakland UniversityRochester Hills | $14,694 | $37,795 | $45,064 | $24,125 | 0.64 |
 Wayne State UniversityDetroit | $14,297 | $36,595 | — | $30,500 | 0.83 |
| National Median | — | $34,959 | — | $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 Eastern Michigan University, approximately 37% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 142 graduates with reported earnings and 168 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.