Communication and Media Studies at Emmanuel College

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.