Communication and Media Studies at Salem State University

Salem State's Communication and Media Studies program starts slow but delivers something many programs in this field don't: substantial earnings growth. Graduates begin at $34,302—slightly below the Massachusetts median for comm majors—but see a 32% jump to $45,305 by year four. That's an $11,000 increase in just three years, placing them within striking distance of graduates from Boston University and Emerson College, who start higher but may not see the same trajectory.

The debt picture is actually favorable here. At $27,000, graduates carry less than the national average and stay manageable against first-year earnings (0.79 ratio). While Salem State sits in the 40th percentile among Massachusetts programs initially, the strong earnings progression suggests graduates find their footing in the job market. The 96% admission rate means access isn't a barrier, and with over a third of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves students who might otherwise struggle to afford Boston's pricier communications programs.

The question for parents: can your child handle a slower launch? If they're willing to hustle through those early years—potentially taking entry-level positions that lead somewhere better—this program delivers decent value at a price that won't cripple them. But if they need strong immediate earnings or struggle with delayed gratification, consider whether the initial gap below state peers might be harder to stomach than the data suggests.