Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management at Howard University

Howard University's Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management program shows dramatic earnings growth—graduates more than double their income from $17,095 to $34,772 between years one and four—but that trajectory starts from an alarmingly low base. The first-year earnings rank in just the 5th percentile nationally for this major, meaning 95% of similar programs produce higher initial outcomes. While the program performs better relative to DC's limited market (60th percentile among two programs), the national comparison reveals significant underperformance even as earnings eventually approach the $28,357 national median.

The $27,000 debt load compounds this challenge. Graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.58 in year one—manageable only if they can secure positions with growth potential and weather those difficult initial years. For families considering this program at a selective HBCU where 41% of students receive Pell grants, the financial strain during the first two years after graduation could prove especially difficult.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably with more data, but the pattern warrants serious consideration. If your student has specific industry connections or a clear path to higher-paying positions within the arts and entertainment sector, the Howard network might justify the investment. Otherwise, the combination of below-market starting salaries and typical student debt makes this a financially risky choice compared to similar programs elsewhere.