Location: Northfield, VT•In-State Tuition: $49,600•Admission Rate: 74%•Avg SAT: 1190
Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,161
62nd percentile
60th percentile in Vermont
Median Debt
$27,000
8% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.73 ManageableSample: 16 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Norwich University's communication program charges $27,000 in median debt but delivers first-year earnings of $37,161—beating both the national median ($34,959) and Vermont's median ($30,747) by a meaningful margin. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 means graduates can expect to earn back their total debt in under a year of salary, which is quite manageable. Among Vermont's six communication programs, Norwich ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, placing it solidly ahead of Vermont State University's concerning $21,028 median but comparable to Saint Michael's College.

The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, these numbers could shift significantly with a larger sample. That said, the 62nd percentile ranking nationally suggests this isn't just a statistical fluke—Norwich appears to deliver slightly above-average outcomes for communication graduates. The relatively low debt (25th percentile nationally means lower debt than 75% of comparable programs) helps offset any concerns about the modest absolute salary figure.

For families considering this program, the math works: reasonable debt paired with earnings that exceed state and national benchmarks. Just recognize that $37,000 first-year salaries mean budgeting carefully, and the small cohort size means individual job placement could vary more than at larger programs.

Where Norwich University Stands

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

Norwich UniversityOther communication and media studies programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Norwich University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Norwich University earns $37k — 62th percentile among communication and media studies bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Vermont

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Vermont (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Norwich UniversityNorthfield$49,600$37,161—$27,0000.73
Saint Michael's CollegeColchester$50,040$30,747$46,635$26,6140.87
Vermont State UniversityRandolph$11,400$21,028———
National Median—$34,959—$25,0000.72

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$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

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

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social 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

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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 Norwich University, approximately 24% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.