Analysis
Rhode Island College's communication program sits comfortably in the middle of the pack—both nationally (47th percentile) and within Rhode Island (60th percentile among nine programs). Starting at $34,357, graduates earn slightly less than the national median but meaningfully more than most Rhode Island programs at this price point. The $25,000 debt load is exactly at the national median, creating a manageable 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates can handle with reasonable budgeting.
The 21% earnings growth over four years suggests the degree opens doors that expand with experience, reaching $41,716 by year four. Within Rhode Island, this program outperforms Roger Williams, Salve Regina, and Johnson & Wales—all of which likely charge higher tuition as private institutions. Only Bryant and URI's programs show notably stronger earnings outcomes. For families prioritizing affordability at a public institution, Rhode Island College delivers middle-tier results without the premium price tag.
This won't launch your child into a high-earning career immediately, but the combination of modest debt and steady earnings growth creates a viable path forward. Communication degrees typically require graduates to hustle for opportunities early on, and this program's outcomes reflect that reality while keeping financial risk contained.
Where Rhode Island College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Rhode Island College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island College | $34,357 | $41,716 | +21% |
| Roger Williams University | $33,596 | $64,953 | +93% |
| Bryant University | $45,071 | $61,344 | +36% |
| University of Rhode Island | $36,785 | $52,399 | +42% |
| Salve Regina University | $33,230 | $52,248 | +57% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Rhode Island
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Rhode Island CollegeProvidence | $10,986 | $34,357 | $41,716 | $25,000 | 0.73 |
 Bryant UniversitySmithfield | $51,169 | $45,071 | $61,344 | $27,000 | 0.60 |
 University of Rhode IslandKingston | $16,408 | $36,785 | $52,399 | $24,887 | 0.68 |
 Roger Williams UniversityBristol | $42,666 | $33,596 | $64,953 | $26,000 | 0.77 |
 Salve Regina UniversityNewport | $47,930 | $33,230 | $52,248 | $27,000 | 0.81 |
 Johnson & Wales University-ProvidenceProvidence | $40,408 | $28,062 | — | $25,125 | 0.90 |
| National Median | — | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
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 Rhode Island College, approximately 41% 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.