Analysis
Michigan State's Communication and Media Studies program shows impressive earnings acceleration that sets it apart from typical programs in this field. While graduates start at $36,390—slightly above both national and Michigan medians—their earnings jump 54% to nearly $56,000 by year four, substantially outpacing the gradual growth seen in most communication programs.
The debt picture is particularly encouraging. At $26,750, MSU keeps borrowing costs in the 28th percentile nationally, meaning 72% of similar programs saddle students with more debt. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74, well below concerning levels. Among Michigan's 34 communication programs, MSU ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings while maintaining below-average debt levels—a combination that's hard to find in this field.
The program does trail Michigan's top performers like U of M Ann Arbor, but it delivers solid value considering MSU's accessible 84% admission rate. Communication and Media Studies programs often struggle with career progression, but MSU's data suggests their graduates find pathways to meaningful salary growth. For parents concerned about return on investment in a notoriously challenging field, this program demonstrates that strong earnings growth can offset modest starting salaries when debt remains reasonable.
Where Michigan State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Michigan State University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University | $36,390 | $55,915 | +54% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $50,556 | $66,507 | +32% |
| Central Michigan University | $31,913 | $51,268 | +61% |
| Albion College | $39,209 | $49,262 | +26% |
| Hope College | $38,956 | $47,958 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing | $15,988 | $36,390 | $55,915 | $26,750 | 0.74 |
 University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor | $17,228 | $50,556 | $66,507 | $20,376 | 0.40 |
 Albion CollegeAlbion | $55,746 | $39,209 | $49,262 | $27,000 | 0.69 |
 Hope CollegeHolland | $40,420 | $38,956 | $47,958 | $27,000 | 0.69 |
 Oakland UniversityRochester Hills | $14,694 | $37,795 | $45,064 | $24,125 | 0.64 |
 Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti | $15,510 | $36,717 | $43,310 | $29,102 | 0.79 |
| 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 Michigan State University, approximately 20% 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 515 graduates with reported earnings and 473 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.