Communication and Media Studies at Johnson & Wales University-Providence

At $28,062 first-year earnings, Johnson & Wales's Communication and Media Studies program ranks among the weakest in Rhode Island—trailing every other major program in the state by $5,000 to $17,000. Within the Ocean State's small but competitive field of nine programs, this sits at just the 25th percentile, and it ranks even lower (15th percentile) nationally. That's a meaningful gap when Rhode Island College graduates earn $34,357 and Bryant grads start above $45,000 with the same degree credential.

The debt load of $25,125 is right at the national median for this major, which sounds reasonable until you consider the earnings shortfall. A 0.90 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary—manageable only if income grows quickly. Communication and media graduates often see meaningful salary growth as they gain experience, but starting $6,000 below the state median makes that climb steeper.

For a family considering this program, the question is whether JWU's career services or industry connections justify paying similar tuition for significantly lower outcomes than nearby alternatives. If your child is set on this field and staying in Rhode Island, the state's flagship or Rhode Island College both offer clearer paths to financial stability. Unless there's a compelling program-specific reason to attend Johnson & Wales, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere.