Communication and Media Studies at Emory University

Emory's prestigious brand doesn't translate into standout earning power for Communication and Media Studies graduates, who start at $37,237—just slightly above both state and national medians despite the university's 11% admission rate and elite reputation. While the moderate $21,000 debt load is manageable (about half the first-year salary), graduates trail significantly behind several Georgia public universities: UGA grads earn $7,000 more annually, and Kennesaw State grads command $6,000 more. Among Georgia's 26 communications programs, Emory lands squarely in the middle at the 60th percentile.

The practical concern for parents paying private school tuition: you're investing in an Emory education but getting mid-market outcomes in a competitive field. That said, the debt picture is reasonable, and small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers may not capture the full range of career paths Emory's network and academic rigor can unlock. Communications majors often build careers through internships, connections, and graduate school—areas where Emory's resources matter more than this snapshot suggests.

If your child is passionate about media and communications, Emory won't saddle them with crushing debt. But financially, this program doesn't justify the premium you'd pay over strong public alternatives like UGA or Kennesaw State, unless you're banking on Emory's intangible advantages translating to better long-term career trajectories.