Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree) at La Sierra University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,097

Est. from CA median (42 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$22,250

Est. from CA median (19 programs)

Analysis

California's communication programs show a massive earnings spread—from $62,000 at Cal Poly SLO down to figures closer to the statewide typical of around $38,000. Based on comparable programs in California, La Sierra's communication graduates likely start near that state median of $38,097, which puts them roughly $10,000 ahead of national communication outcomes but far behind the state's top performers. The estimated $22,250 in debt falls within a reasonable range, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 that suggests graduates could manage repayment on a communication salary.

The real question is whether La Sierra can deliver outcomes closer to California's stronger programs or if its students will land near the state average. With a 93% admission rate and nearly half of students on Pell grants, the university serves a different population than schools like Santa Clara or Pepperdine, which might explain some earnings differences. Similar California programs suggest first-year earnings that cover debt payments but don't leave much cushion—a graduate earning $38,000 would take home around $2,600 monthly before loan payments.

Given the uncertainty in these estimates and the wide variation among California communication programs, prospective families should directly ask La Sierra about employment outcomes for recent graduates. Where do communication majors actually land jobs, and what's the typical salary range? Without program-specific data, you're betting on achieving at least the state average for this degree.

Where La Sierra 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
La Sierra UniversityRiverside	$35,910	$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 La Sierra University, approximately 47% 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.