Analysis
Saint Joseph's College of Maine's Business/Corporate Communications program shows reasonable balance based on what similar programs typically produce. With estimated first-year earnings around $41,500 and debt near $23,250, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 sits comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold—meaning graduates from comparable programs could typically pay off their loans within a manageable timeframe if they follow standard repayment plans.
The challenge here is uncertainty. These figures come from peer programs nationally, not Saint Joseph's actual outcomes, because too few graduates exist in this specific major to report publicly. For a specialized communications degree at a small Maine liberal arts college, you're essentially betting that their outcomes will mirror the national median. That's not unreasonable—business communications is fairly standardized across institutions—but it does mean you lack the concrete data that would confirm this program specifically delivers on that promise.
The takeaway: If your child is drawn to Saint Joseph's for reasons beyond just this major—campus culture, size, location—the estimated financial picture suggests a workable investment. But if the decision hinges primarily on career preparation in business communications, you'll want direct conversations with the program about where their recent graduates actually land, since the official data can't tell you that story yet.
Where Saint Joseph's College of Maine Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/corporate communications bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business/Corporate Communications bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $42,834 | $41,494* | — | $23,250* | — | |
| $58,150 | $57,141* | $74,655 | $25,000* | 0.44 | |
| $38,520 | $49,378* | $51,589 | $23,250* | 0.47 | |
| $7,464 | $47,880* | $62,502 | $12,125* | 0.25 | |
| $34,595 | $46,213* | $53,616 | $30,619* | 0.66 | |
| $9,711 | $45,997* | $58,198 | $24,567* | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $41,494* | — | $23,250* | 0.56 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/corporate communications graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Technical Writers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
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 Saint Joseph's College of Maine, approximately 20% 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 national median of 14 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.