Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,949
61st percentile (80th in MS)
Median Debt
$24,463
2% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.66
Manageable
Sample Size
30
Adequate data

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

Mississippi CollegeOther communication and media studies programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Mississippi College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Mississippi College graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 61th percentile of all communication and media studies bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (10 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Mississippi College$36,949$39,219$24,4630.66
Mississippi State University$31,812$42,094$24,2190.76
Alcorn State University$27,087—$29,6001.09
Jackson State University$24,235$32,288$31,6241.30
National Median$34,959—$25,0000.72

Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in Mississippi

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Mississippi schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State
$9,815$31,812$24,219
Alcorn State University
Alcorn State
$8,549$27,087$29,600
Jackson State University
Jackson
$9,090$24,235$31,624

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.