Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,066
Est. from CO median (10 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from national median (246 programs)

Analysis

Similar communication programs in Colorado suggest first-year earnings around $37,000, but by year four this program's graduates reach $53,344—a meaningful jump that outpaces many peer schools in the state. The estimated $26,000 debt load translates to a 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio, which is manageable compared to many liberal arts degrees and aligns closely with what comparable programs nationally produce.

What makes this trajectory interesting is how it compares to Colorado's communication programs with reported data. While CSU Global leads at $49,436, Regis appears positioned in the middle tier by year four, above state stalwarts like CU Boulder and Colorado Christian. That suggests the program may offer competitive career preparation, though without reported first-year data for this specific school, the early earnings picture relies on state averages.

For parents weighing this investment, the debt burden seems reasonable given the four-year earnings, but recognize you're working with educated estimates rather than verified outcomes from Regis graduates. The stronger four-year number is encouraging, but if your student needs immediate post-graduation earning power—perhaps to start repayment quickly—confirming the actual early-career placement rates directly with the school would be wise before committing.

Where Regis University 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
Regis University$53,344
Colorado State University Global$49,436$59,821+21%
University of Colorado Boulder$39,738$56,211+41%
University of Denver$36,234$53,098+47%
University of Northern Colorado$34,892$47,866+37%

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (13 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Regis UniversityDenver$43,980$37,066*$53,344$26,000*
Colorado State University GlobalDenver$8,400$49,436*$59,821$32,010*0.65
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder$16,430$39,738*$56,211$17,500*0.44
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver$10,017$39,662*$47,203$27,000*0.68
Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins$12,896$38,731*$45,258$24,647*0.64
Colorado Christian UniversityLakewood$39,266$37,129*$36,746$26,000*0.70
National Median$34,959*$25,000*0.72
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Regis University, approximately 26% 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.

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 10 similar programs in CO. Actual outcomes may vary.