Communication and Media Studies at Saint Vincent College

Saint Vincent's communication program shows a dramatic 75% earnings jump from year one to year four, but that initial $25,889 figure should concern any parent. In Pennsylvania's media studies landscape, this program sits at just the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of similar programs in the state produce better first-year outcomes. Compare this to nearby Washington & Jefferson at $39,584 or even the state median of $32,386, and the gap becomes clear.

The $27,000 debt load matches both state and national medians, so borrowing isn't excessive. The real question is whether that four-year climb to $45,343 reflects genuine career progression or simply the time it takes graduates to find their footing. At more selective Pennsylvania programs like Messiah or Villanova, students start much closer to that $45,000 mark right out of the gate.

Fair warning: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so one graduate's unusual path could skew everything. But even accounting for statistical noise, starting at $26,000 in a field where Pennsylvania peers typically earn $6,000-$13,000 more suggests this program may not be providing the connections or preparation that justify the investment. If your child is set on Saint Vincent for other reasons—fit, financial aid, or campus culture—go in knowing they'll likely need several years to reach earnings that peers at stronger programs achieve immediately.