Communication and Media Studies at Oakland University

Oakland University's Communication and Media Studies program outperforms both state and national medians, placing graduates in the 60th percentile among Michigan's 34 programs. Starting at $37,795, graduates earn about $1,800 more than the typical Michigan communications grad and nearly $3,000 above the national benchmark. The $24,125 debt load sits slightly below averages, creating a manageable 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio that graduates can reasonably handle.

The 19% earnings bump from year one to year four ($7,269 in real dollars) is noteworthy for a communications degree, suggesting graduates develop marketable skills that translate to advancement. While this won't match the University of Michigan's $50,556 starting point, Oakland delivers solid middle-tier results at a regional university with a 70% admission rate—a realistic option for students without elite credentials. With robust sample data from 100+ graduates, these numbers reflect consistent outcomes rather than statistical noise.

For families weighing this investment, Oakland represents dependable value: better-than-average earnings with below-average debt. Your child won't dominate the job market, but they'll graduate with manageable debt and income that grows meaningfully in those crucial early career years. Among Michigan's communications programs, it's a safe bet that justifies the investment.