Analysis
McDaniel's Communication and Media Studies program stumbles out of the gate but catches up impressively. That $32,402 first-year salary trails both the Maryland median ($36,880) and national average by roughly $2,500-4,500—putting graduates in the bottom 40% statewide. However, by year four, earnings jump 58% to $51,022, surpassing Maryland's top programs like Loyola and Mount St. Mary's and landing well ahead of the state median.
The $25,000 debt load is manageable, resulting in a 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio that's reasonable even with the slow start. The real question is what drives that delayed earnings growth. It could reflect the program's career preparation approach, the types of industries graduates enter, or simply that Maryland communication careers reward experience more than credentials. Given McDaniel's 84% admission rate and substantial Pell grant population, the four-year outcome actually looks quite strong.
If your child can weather the initial earning years—perhaps through family support or careful budgeting—this program delivers solid mid-career prospects at a reasonable debt cost. Just understand they'll likely be earning less than peers from UMD or Towson initially, even if they eventually catch up.
Where McDaniel College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How McDaniel College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDaniel College | $32,402 | $51,022 | +57% |
| University of Maryland-College Park | $43,696 | $63,691 | +46% |
| Loyola University Maryland | $42,640 | $62,264 | +46% |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $53,513 | $56,684 | +6% |
| Towson University | $42,657 | $56,404 | +32% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 McDaniel CollegeWestminster | $49,647 | $32,402 | $51,022 | $25,000 | 0.77 |
 University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi | $7,992 | $53,513 | $56,684 | $27,971 | 0.52 |
 University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park | $11,505 | $43,696 | $63,691 | $20,000 | 0.46 |
 Towson UniversityTowson | $11,306 | $42,657 | $56,404 | $20,309 | 0.48 |
 Loyola University MarylandBaltimore | $55,480 | $42,640 | $62,264 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
 Mount St. Mary's UniversityEmmitsburg | $47,240 | $39,055 | $50,789 | $26,312 | 0.67 |
| 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 McDaniel College, approximately 34% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.