Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,097
Est. from CA median (42 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$22,250
Est. from CA median (19 programs)

Analysis

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
John Paul the Great Catholic UniversityEscondido$29,500$38,097*$22,250*
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$62,183*$60,521$14,928*0.24
Ashford UniversitySan Diego$13,160$58,089*$41,621$37,188*0.64
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara$59,241$51,720*$71,818$18,500*0.36
Pepperdine UniversityMalibu$66,742$48,398*$53,036$19,667*0.41
University of Phoenix-CaliforniaOntario$47,919*$49,715$45,000*0.94
National Median$34,959*$25,000*0.72
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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.