Communication, Journalism, at Howard University

Howard University's communication and journalism program produces first-year earnings of $25,878—placing it in just the 5th percentile nationally for this field. With $27,000 in median debt, graduates face an immediate debt burden larger than their annual income. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile within DC, that's only because it's the sole journalism program in the district; against the national median of $34,134, these graduates earn nearly $8,300 less annually.

This is a particularly difficult starting point for a degree from a selective institution (35% admission rate, 1205 SAT). Many journalism programs struggle with low early earnings as graduates work entry-level media jobs or internships, but Howard's outcomes fall significantly below even those modest expectations. The 75th percentile nationally for this field is $39,654—meaning three-quarters of comparable programs produce better results.

For families considering this investment, the economics are challenging. At $25,878, graduates would need to dedicate roughly 10% of pre-tax income for a decade under standard repayment plans. The career path matters enormously here: those landing in strategic communications or PR roles may see faster salary growth than traditional journalism positions. But based purely on the first-year numbers, this program requires exceptional career networking or family financial cushion to navigate comfortably post-graduation.