Communication and Media Studies at Loyola Marymount University

Loyola Marymount's communication program costs less than you'd expect and earns more. With $19,500 in typical debt—well below both national and California medians—and first-year earnings of $41,113, graduates face a manageable 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's roughly half what many comparable programs demand. The real story emerges in the earnings trajectory: graduates see 47% income growth by year four, reaching $60,597. This outpaces 82% of communication programs nationally, though it lands at the 60th percentile within California's competitive market.

The Los Angeles location matters here. While LMU graduates earn less initially than peers from Cal Poly SLO or Santa Clara, they're entering one of the nation's largest media markets with relatively light debt loads. The combination of below-average borrowing and above-average earnings creates flexibility early in careers where networking and experience-building often matter as much as immediate salary.

For parents weighing private school tuition, this is a practical outcome for a communications degree. Your child won't graduate burdened by debt, and the earnings growth suggests LMU's industry connections and LA proximity translate to real career momentum. Just understand they'll likely start below $45,000—comfortable given the debt level, but not leading the pack among California programs.