Analysis
Simmons delivers strong outcomes for a communications degree, though Massachusetts families should understand the competitive landscape. First-year graduates earn $42,256—substantially better than the national median of $35,000 and ranking in the 88th percentile nationally. However, among Massachusetts programs, Simmons lands in the 60th percentile, trailing heavyweights like Boston College ($55,162) and Northeastern ($47,465).
The real story here is momentum. Earnings jump 29% to $54,370 by year four, suggesting graduates develop marketable skills that translate to career advancement. The debt load of $26,000 is entirely manageable at 0.62 times first-year salary—graduates can reasonably tackle this while building their careers. For context, this debt level matches both the state and national medians for communications programs, but the earnings premium makes repayment easier.
If your child is comparing Boston-area communications programs, Simmons offers solid value without the sticker shock of elite competitors, and the career trajectory looks promising. The gap with top programs narrows considerably by year four. For students who aren't landing at BC or Northeastern, Simmons represents a sensible middle ground where the degree pays off without crushing debt.
Where Simmons University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Simmons 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simmons University | $42,256 | $54,370 | +29% |
| Boston University | $47,349 | $69,156 | +46% |
| Northeastern University | $47,465 | $67,761 | +43% |
| Northeastern University Professional Programs | $47,465 | $67,761 | +43% |
| Boston College | $55,162 | $65,184 | +18% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (37 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Simmons UniversityBoston | $45,538 | $42,256 | $54,370 | $26,000 | 0.62 |
 Boston CollegeChestnut Hill | $67,680 | $55,162 | $65,184 | $18,500 | 0.34 |
 Northeastern University Professional ProgramsBoston | — | $47,465 | $67,761 | $23,250 | 0.49 |
| Northeastern UniversityBoston | $63,141 | $47,465 | $67,761 | $23,250 | 0.49 |
 Boston UniversityBoston | $65,168 | $47,349 | $69,156 | $25,108 | 0.53 |
 Emerson CollegeBoston | $55,392 | $44,108 | $54,641 | $23,953 | 0.54 |
| 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 Simmons University, approximately 30% 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 38 graduates with reported earnings and 40 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.