Communication and Media Studies at Montclair State University

Montclair State's Communication and Media Studies program starts rough but recovers impressively. That $28,062 first-year salary ranks among the bottom 15% nationally and sits below New Jersey's median, but by year four, graduates nearly double their earnings to $57,399—one of the strongest growth trajectories you'll find in this field. The question for parents: can your child weather those tough early years?

The challenge is straightforward. This program trails the state's top performers by considerable margins—Rutgers grads start at $43,649, and even mid-tier New Jersey programs beat Montclair's initial outcomes. At 40th percentile statewide, it's middle-of-the-pack for Jersey communication programs. The $24,713 debt load is manageable compared to first-year earnings, but that still means potentially tight budgets during those entry-level years when many media careers demand unpaid internships or low-paid assistant roles.

What matters here is whether your child can sustain themselves through what appears to be a meaningful professional learning curve. Those who do see substantial rewards—year-four earnings approach the national 75th percentile. But families without financial cushioning may find those first few years genuinely difficult, especially in New Jersey's high cost-of-living environment. This program works best for students who have family support during the launch phase or who can secure competitive internships that accelerate their trajectory.