Median Earnings (1yr)
$41,000
43rd percentile
Median Debt
$27,000
16% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.66
Manageable
Sample Size
45
Adequate data

Analysis

Stevenson University's Business/Corporate Communications program delivers exactly what the numbers suggest: middle-of-the-road outcomes at a surprisingly reasonable price. Graduates start at $41,000—essentially matching both the state and national medians—but they're doing it with just $27,000 in debt, which places this program in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden. That 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly eight months' salary, considerably better than many communication programs that saddle students with twice that burden.

The earnings trajectory tells a straightforward story: modest but steady growth from $41,000 to $46,684 over four years (14% increase). While the program ranks in the 43rd percentile nationally, it performs notably better within Maryland, hitting the 60th percentile among in-state options. That said, you're looking at just one comparable Maryland program, so take that ranking with appropriate skepticism. The real insight here is that communication roles typically don't command premium salaries early on, but the low debt load means your child won't be financially strangled while building their career.

For families prioritizing manageable debt over blockbuster earnings, this is a sensible choice. The combination of accessible admission (83% acceptance rate) and below-average borrowing creates financial breathing room that many communication graduates desperately need. Just understand that corporate communications is rarely a path to quick wealth—it's a stable career that requires patience.

Where Stevenson University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/corporate communications bachelors's programs nationally

Stevenson UniversityOther business/corporate communications programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Stevenson University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Stevenson University graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 43th percentile of all business/corporate communications bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Business/Corporate Communications bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Stevenson University$41,000$46,684$27,0000.66
National Median$41,494—$23,2500.56

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 Stevenson University, approximately 29% 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 45 graduates with reported earnings and 52 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.