Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in District of Columbia

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in District of Columbia (7 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Howard University$57,125
George Washington University$50,552$65,477$25,0000.49
The Catholic University of America$43,259$62,150$27,0000.62
American University$36,980$64,488$22,6110.61
Gallaudet University$25,747$25,0000.97
National Median$34,959$25,0000.72

Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in District of Columbia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across District of Columbia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
George Washington University
Washington
$64,990$50,552$25,000
The Catholic University of America
Washington
$55,834$43,259$27,000
American University
Washington
$56,543$36,980$22,611
Gallaudet University
Washington
$18,382$25,747$25,000

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 Howard University, approximately 41% 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.