Analysis
Mississippi College's Communication and Media Studies program outperforms most Mississippi options significantly—graduates earn nearly $10,000 more annually than the state median of $29,450, placing it in the 80th percentile among Mississippi programs. The first-year salary of $36,949 exceeds even the national median and beats Mississippi State, the state's largest competitor. With debt of $24,463, graduates owe less than two-thirds of their first-year earnings, a manageable load that's also below both state and national medians.
The earnings trajectory shows steady if modest growth—from $36,949 to $39,219 over four years—and graduates appear to find jobs quickly after graduation. For Mississippi families, this program offers a practical path into communications work without the debt burden that often accompanies the field. The 49% admission rate suggests accessibility, though the moderate sample size means these outcomes reflect 30-100 recent graduates.
For parents weighing in-state options, Mississippi College stands out as the clear leader in this field within the state. The combination of above-average starting salaries, below-average debt, and stable career progression makes this a solid choice for students committed to media and communications careers in or near Mississippi.
Where Mississippi College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Mississippi 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi College | $36,949 | $39,219 | +6% |
| Cornell University | $62,182 | $80,616 | +30% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $53,022 | $77,464 | +46% |
| Mississippi State University | $31,812 | $42,094 | +32% |
| Jackson State University | $24,235 | $32,288 | +33% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mississippi CollegeClinton | $21,698 | $36,949 | $39,219 | $24,463 | 0.66 |
 Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State | $9,815 | $31,812 | $42,094 | $24,219 | 0.76 |
 Alcorn State UniversityAlcorn State | $8,549 | $27,087 | — | $29,600 | 1.09 |
 Jackson State UniversityJackson | $9,090 | $24,235 | $32,288 | $31,624 | 1.30 |
| 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 Mississippi College, approximately 26% 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 30 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.