Communication and Media Studies at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington's Communication and Media Studies program costs less than most Washington options but also delivers below-average state earnings. While graduates start at $37,782—solidly above the national median—they fall just below Washington's state median of $37,799, ranking in only the 40th percentile among the state's 19 programs. That's a notable gap when you consider Washington's flagship universities are producing graduates who earn $44,638 in this field.

The debt load of $25,000 equals the national median but runs higher than Washington's typical $20,500. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66, graduates should manage repayment reasonably well, though they're taking on slightly more risk than peers at other state schools. The 16% earnings growth by year four is encouraging—graduates do see meaningful salary progression—but they remain behind the University of Washington system and Seattle-area private schools throughout their early careers.

For families prioritizing affordability over maximum earning potential, this program works adequately. You'll likely pay less in tuition than at Washington's selective privates while avoiding the worst debt-to-earnings scenarios in communication. But if your child has access to the UW system or can secure good financial aid elsewhere in state, those alternatives would provide a stronger financial foundation in a field where starting salaries already run modest.