Analysis
Four years out, Howard's Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $57,125—a figure that puts them ahead of most programs nationally and positions them solidly in DC's competitive media landscape. While first-year earnings estimates based on comparable DC programs suggest a starting point around $40,000, that trajectory to nearly $60,000 shows meaningful career progression in a field where many graduates plateau earlier.
The estimated $25,000 debt load, typical for DC programs at this level, creates a manageable 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio even in year one. That's significantly better than the national median for this major, where many programs leave students with similar debt but lower earning potential. Howard's selective admissions (35% acceptance rate) and strong DC connections likely contribute to outcomes that outpace what you'd see at less competitive institutions, though exact comparisons are limited by data availability.
The real advantage here appears in year four: $57,125 is competitive with George Washington ($50,552) despite a fraction of the sticker price, and it substantially exceeds American University's outcomes ($36,980). For families concerned about return on investment, this suggests Howard's network and reputation in DC media markets translates into tangible career advancement.
Where Howard University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howard University | — | $57,125 | — |
| Cornell University | $62,182 | $80,616 | +30% |
| George Washington University | $50,552 | $65,477 | +30% |
| American University | $36,980 | $64,488 | +74% |
| The Catholic University of America | $43,259 | $62,150 | +44% |
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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Howard UniversityWashington | $33,344 | $40,120* | $57,125 | $25,000* | — |
 George Washington UniversityWashington | $64,990 | $50,552* | $65,477 | $25,000* | 0.49 |
 The Catholic University of AmericaWashington | $55,834 | $43,259* | $62,150 | $27,000* | 0.62 |
 American UniversityWashington | $56,543 | $36,980* | $64,488 | $22,611* | 0.61 |
 Gallaudet UniversityWashington | $18,382 | $25,747* | — | $25,000* | 0.97 |
| National Median | — | $34,959* | — | $25,000* | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in DC. Actual outcomes may vary.