Communication and Media Studies at Salve Regina University

With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, treat these numbers as suggestive rather than definitive, but the pattern shows something worth examining. Salve Regina's communications program starts graduates at $33,230—below the national median and hovering right at Rhode Island's average—while carrying $27,000 in debt. That debt level actually falls into the 25th percentile nationally (meaning 75% of programs load students with more debt), which is a genuine advantage in a field not known for high starting salaries.

The 57% earnings jump to $52,248 by year four is the real story here, vaulting graduates well above typical communications outcomes. That trajectory suggests the program might be opening doors to higher-paying media or corporate communications roles that take time to access. Still, you're paying a premium: competitors like URI and Rhode Island College produce similar first-year outcomes with likely lower tuition. Bryant crushes this field at $45,000+ starting, but commands significantly higher sticker prices.

The small sample size matters—next year's cohort could look completely different. If your child is considering Salve Regina for its coastal campus and liberal arts environment, this program won't derail their financial future, especially given the moderate debt load. But if communications is the priority, URI offers comparable Rhode Island outcomes at public school prices, while Bryant is worth considering if the family can handle higher upfront costs for better starting earnings.