Analysis
Emmanuel College's communication program stands out for doing something rare: turning modest starting salaries into solid mid-career earnings. While graduates earn $38,636 in year one—decent but not exceptional—they see 31% income growth by year four, reaching $50,670. That trajectory puts them ahead of 60% of Massachusetts communication programs, which is notable given the state's competitive media market and presence of powerhouses like Boston College and Emerson.
The financial setup makes this growth trajectory particularly valuable. At $27,000 in debt, graduates owe less than three-quarters of their first-year salary—a manageable burden that ranks in the 25th percentile nationally (meaning 75% of programs leave students with more debt). This combination of controlled debt and strong earnings momentum means graduates can actually benefit from their income growth rather than just using it to service loans.
The gap between Emmanuel and elite Boston programs like BC ($55,162) or BU ($47,349) is real, but those comparisons miss the point. What matters is whether the debt load matches the earning potential, and here the math works. For families seeking a private college experience in Boston without crushing debt, this program delivers solid value—especially for students willing to invest a few years building their careers rather than expecting top salaries immediately.
Where Emmanuel College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Emmanuel College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emmanuel College | $38,636 | $50,670 | +31% |
| Boston University | $47,349 | $69,156 | +46% |
| Northeastern University | $47,465 | $67,761 | +43% |
| Northeastern University Professional Programs | $47,465 | $67,761 | +43% |
| Boston College | $55,162 | $65,184 | +18% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (37 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Emmanuel CollegeBoston | $46,686 | $38,636 | $50,670 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
 Boston CollegeChestnut Hill | $67,680 | $55,162 | $65,184 | $18,500 | 0.34 |
 Northeastern University Professional ProgramsBoston | — | $47,465 | $67,761 | $23,250 | 0.49 |
| Northeastern UniversityBoston | $63,141 | $47,465 | $67,761 | $23,250 | 0.49 |
 Boston UniversityBoston | $65,168 | $47,349 | $69,156 | $25,108 | 0.53 |
 Emerson CollegeBoston | $55,392 | $44,108 | $54,641 | $23,953 | 0.54 |
| 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 Emmanuel College, approximately 20% 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 54 graduates with reported earnings and 54 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.