Communication and Media Studies at Saint Martin's University

Similar communication programs across Washington suggest first-year earnings around $37,800, which actually edges above the national median for this major by nearly $3,000. That's a modest advantage, though the top-performing programs in the state—all three University of Washington campuses—report graduates earning closer to $45,000. The estimated $24,200 in debt sits slightly above Washington's typical debt load for this field, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64—manageable by most standards, though not exceptional.

The caveat here is significant: these figures represent what peer programs across Washington typically produce, not actual outcomes from Saint Martin's graduates. Communication and media studies is an inherently variable field where success depends heavily on internships, portfolio development, and geographic mobility after graduation. Given Saint Martin's smaller size and Lacey location—outside Seattle's more robust media market—your student's outcomes could differ substantially from these statewide estimates.

The practical question is whether $24,000 in debt makes sense when earnings might support it but career trajectory remains uncertain. If your student has clear industry connections or plans to relocate to stronger media markets, the investment calculates reasonably. But without actual data from this specific program, you're betting on their ability to match or exceed what similar programs produce—a bet that hinges more on individual initiative than institutional track record.