Analysis
Elon's Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $48,637 in their first year—nearly $16,000 more than the North Carolina median and outpacing even UNC-Chapel Hill's program, which is nationally recognized. This 95th percentile ranking both nationally and within North Carolina is remarkable for a field often criticized for weak earnings, and the trajectory stays strong with earnings climbing to $60,125 by year four.
The debt picture requires some nuance. At $23,250, graduates carry slightly less than typical for this major, though still meaningful relative to first-year earnings. The 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in manageable territory—you're looking at roughly 6-8 months of gross income, not multiple years. Given that most Communication and Media Studies programs leave graduates earning in the low-to-mid $30,000s, Elon's premium positioning justifies this moderate debt load.
What makes this work is Elon's clear advantage in career placement and professional network. When your graduate earns $16,000 more annually than peers from other NC programs, that gap pays down the modest debt premium quickly. For a communications degree, this represents one of the strongest return-on-investment scenarios you'll find nationally. If your child is drawn to media work and Elon is affordable, the data supports this choice.
Where Elon University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Elon 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elon University | $48,637 | $60,125 | +24% |
| Wake Forest University | $42,055 | $60,234 | +43% |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $43,348 | $59,487 | +37% |
| East Carolina University | $37,813 | $48,249 | +28% |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | $38,234 | $47,815 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (40 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Elon UniversityElon | $44,536 | $48,637 | $60,125 | $23,250 | 0.48 |
 University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill | $8,989 | $43,348 | $59,487 | $15,500 | 0.36 |
 Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem | $64,758 | $42,055 | $60,234 | $22,250 | 0.53 |
 North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh | $8,895 | $39,889 | $47,004 | $22,324 | 0.56 |
 Appalachian State UniversityBoone | $7,541 | $38,331 | $40,125 | $21,500 | 0.56 |
 University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte | $7,214 | $38,234 | $47,815 | $24,050 | 0.63 |
| 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 Elon University, approximately 9% 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.