Analysis
San Francisco State's Communication and Media Studies program stands out as a surprisingly strong value in a field often criticized for poor financial outcomes. With first-year earnings of $40,790 and remarkably low debt of just $15,000, graduates achieve a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37—meaning they owe less than four months' salary, compared to the national program average of $25,000 in debt.
The earnings trajectory is particularly impressive, jumping 41% to $57,672 by year four. While the program ranks in the 80th percentile nationally and 60th percentile among California's 68 communication programs, the real story is the financial accessibility. At the 95th percentile for low debt nationally, SF State delivers strong earnings without the crushing debt loads typical of this field.
The numbers become even more compelling when you consider the location advantage—San Francisco's media market likely contributes to both the strong starting salaries and robust growth potential. For families concerned about communication studies as a viable career path, this program offers a rare combination of affordability and solid earning potential that should ease those worries.
Where San Francisco State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How San Francisco State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco State University | $40,790 | $57,672 | +41% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $43,696 | $76,374 | +75% |
| Santa Clara University | $51,720 | $71,818 | +39% |
| University of Southern California | $47,651 | $63,317 | +33% |
| University of San Francisco | $39,000 | $61,461 | +58% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (68 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco | $7,424 | $40,790 | $57,672 | $15,000 | 0.37 |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $62,183 | $60,521 | $14,928 | 0.24 |
 Ashford UniversitySan Diego | $13,160 | $58,089 | $41,621 | $37,188 | 0.64 |
 Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara | $59,241 | $51,720 | $71,818 | $18,500 | 0.36 |
 Pepperdine UniversityMalibu | $66,742 | $48,398 | $53,036 | $19,667 | 0.41 |
 University of Phoenix-CaliforniaOntario | — | $47,919 | $49,715 | $45,000 | 0.94 |
| 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 San Francisco State University, approximately 41% 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 456 graduates with reported earnings and 385 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.