Communication and Media Studies at John Paul the Great Catholic University
Bachelor's Degree
jpcatholic.eduAnalysis
Based on comparable California communication programs, John Paul the Great's estimated first-year earnings of $38,097 track right at the state median—but this median itself sits below what the program's strongest competitors achieve. Schools like Cal Poly SLO and Santa Clara push graduates into the $50,000-$60,000 range, suggesting the communication field rewards both institution and preparation quality significantly.
The estimated $22,250 debt load is moderate, slightly above the state median for communication programs but still manageable relative to earnings. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58, graduates would need to dedicate roughly seven months of gross income to loan repayment—not comfortable but workable if earnings grow. However, communication careers notoriously start slow and depend heavily on geography, industry connections, and specialized skills that aren't always visible in degree titles alone.
For an anxious parent, here's the reality: these estimates place the program squarely in the middle of California's communication landscape—neither a standout nor a concern. The actual outcomes could be better or worse depending on factors the small graduate sample doesn't reveal. If your child is drawn to JPG's Catholic mission and specialized media focus, verify what career support and industry placement the school actually delivers. Without reported data from this specific program, you're betting on those intangibles making the difference between median and exceptional outcomes.
Where John Paul the Great Catholic University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (68 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,500 | $38,097* | — | $22,250* | — | |
| $11,075 | $62,183* | $60,521 | $14,928* | 0.24 | |
| $13,160 | $58,089* | $41,621 | $37,188* | 0.64 | |
| $59,241 | $51,720* | $71,818 | $18,500* | 0.36 | |
| $66,742 | $48,398* | $53,036 | $19,667* | 0.41 | |
| — | $47,919* | $49,715 | $45,000* | 0.94 | |
| 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 John Paul the Great Catholic University, approximately 38% 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 42 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.