Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,097
Est. from CA median (42 programs)
Median Debt
$23,250
7% below national median

Where Northeastern University Oakland Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Northeastern University Oakland$67,761
University of California-Berkeley$43,696$76,374+75%
Santa Clara University$51,720$71,818+39%
University of Southern California$47,651$63,317+33%
University of San Francisco$39,000$61,461+58%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (68 total in state)

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Northeastern University OaklandOakland$63,949$38,097*$67,761$23,250
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$62,183*$60,521$14,9280.24
Ashford UniversitySan Diego$13,160$58,089*$41,621$37,1880.64
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara$59,241$51,720*$71,818$18,5000.36
Pepperdine UniversityMalibu$66,742$48,398*$53,036$19,6670.41
University of Phoenix-CaliforniaOntario$47,919*$49,715$45,0000.94
National Median$34,959*$25,0000.72
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Copy Writers

Write advertising copy for use by publication or broadcast media to promote sale of goods and services.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations and Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client; or if engaged in fundraising, plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

Radio and Television Announcers

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio or television. May announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Public Address System and Other Announcers

Make announcements over public address system at sporting or other public events. May act as master of ceremonies or disc jockey at weddings, parties, clubs, or other gathering places.

Broadcast News Analysts

Analyze, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources.

Reporters and Correspondents

Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.

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). 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 42 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.