Analysis
Saint Peter's communication program shows a worrying pattern even after accounting for the small sample size: starting salaries of just $28,911 place graduates in the bottom fifth nationally and below New Jersey's median of $30,390. While earnings do climb to $42,102 by year four—a solid 46% increase—that initial year remains a significant hurdle for graduates carrying debt.
The $18,661 in median debt is actually one of the program's relative strengths, coming in well below both state and national averages of $25,000. This keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.65, meaning graduates face about eight months of gross income in debt rather than the year or more common elsewhere. For students whose families qualify for Pell grants (54% at Saint Peter's), this lower debt load matters considerably. However, the earning gap with top New Jersey programs is substantial—Rutgers grads start at $43,649, nearly $15,000 higher.
If your child is set on communications and Saint Peter's feels like the right fit, the manageable debt softens what would otherwise be a tough financial picture. But compare carefully against New Jersey's public options, where stronger industry connections in media-heavy northern New Jersey often translate to better starting positions.
Where Saint Peter's University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Saint Peter's University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Peter's University | $28,911 | $42,102 | +46% |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $43,649 | $60,479 | +39% |
| The College of New Jersey | $37,151 | $57,444 | +55% |
| Montclair State University | $28,062 | $57,399 | +105% |
| Monmouth University | $25,742 | $54,990 | +114% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Saint Peter's UniversityJersey City | $41,054 | $28,911 | $42,102 | $18,661 | 0.65 |
 Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick | $17,239 | $43,649 | $60,479 | $25,000 | 0.57 |
 Rider UniversityLawrenceville | $38,900 | $41,864 | — | — | — |
 The College of New JerseyEwing | $18,685 | $37,151 | $57,444 | $23,000 | 0.62 |
 Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan CampusTeaneck | $35,822 | $34,772 | $45,729 | $25,000 | 0.72 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham CampusMadison | $35,822 | $34,772 | $45,729 | $25,000 | 0.72 |
| 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 Saint Peter's University, approximately 54% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.