Communication and Media Studies at Frostburg State University

Frostburg State's communication program starts graduates nearly $10,000 behind the Maryland median—and that gap matters in a state where students have 16 alternatives, including several significantly stronger programs. At $28,720 in year one, graduates earn less than three-quarters of what their counterparts make at UMD-College Park or Towson, both accessible public universities within Maryland's system.

The 50% earnings jump to $43,079 by year four offers some redemption, bringing graduates closer to competitive territory. The $27,000 debt load is manageable relative to first-year earnings, and notably, it's only slightly above both national and state medians for this field. Still, the combination of below-average starting salaries and bottom-quartile national rankings (18th percentile) means graduates spend those crucial early career years catching up rather than getting ahead.

For families prioritizing stability and local opportunities, this program delivers a degree with reasonable debt, but not exceptional career launch outcomes. If your child is committed to communications and Frostburg for other reasons—location, campus fit, scholarship offers—the debt picture won't crush them financially. However, if they're choosing primarily based on career preparation, exploring Maryland's stronger communication programs would likely provide better employment prospects from day one.