Communication and Media Studies at Queens University of Charlotte

Queens University's Communication and Media Studies program offers something rare in this field: better-than-average debt combined with earnings that actually grow. While $36,279 in the first year isn't extraordinary, the 27% jump to $46,122 by year four suggests graduates are building real career momentum rather than plateauing early like many communication majors do. The $27,000 debt load sits below both national and state medians, making the program more financially accessible than most alternatives.

Among North Carolina's 40 communication programs, Queens ranks in the 60th percentile—performing better than the state median of $32,323 but trailing programs like Elon ($48,637) and UNC Chapel Hill ($43,348) by a noticeable margin. Still, the gap narrows considerably by year four, and Queens' lower debt load (compared to the typical private school burden) means graduates aren't starting their careers underwater. The 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, particularly given the upward earnings trajectory.

For families weighing Queens against larger in-state public options, this program's strength lies in its combination of reasonable debt and improving earnings over time. It won't deliver the immediate salary premium of Elon, but it provides solid footing for graduates willing to build their careers over several years rather than expecting instant results.