Communication and Media Studies at Roosevelt University

Based on comparable Communication and Media Studies programs in Illinois, Roosevelt graduates can expect to earn around $36,000 in their first year—right at the state median but well below what nearby programs deliver. Northwestern's reported $52,210 for this same degree shows what's possible in the Chicago market, while even Elmhurst and Augustana place graduates in the low $40,000s. That $16,000+ gap matters significantly when you're servicing debt.

The estimated $24,000 in student loans sits just above the state median for this major, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67. This means your child would owe roughly eight months of gross income—manageable on paper, but tight on a $36,000 salary in an expensive city like Chicago. Monthly payments around $270 will consume a notable chunk of take-home pay, especially during those early career years when media professionals often piece together freelance work or accept lower-paying positions to gain experience.

The real question is whether Roosevelt's access and location justify the financial tradeoff. With a 94% acceptance rate and 46% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves students who might face barriers elsewhere. But in a field where early networking and internship opportunities heavily influence career trajectory, graduating with average debt and average earnings—in a city where top employers exist—suggests the program isn't providing the competitive edge needed to break into better-paying media roles.