Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,880
Est. from MD median (10 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,156
Est. from MD median (4 programs)

Analysis

Looking at comparable Communication and Media Studies programs in Maryland, the estimated numbers for Stevenson—around $36,880 in first-year earnings against $26,156 in debt—suggest a manageable but modest start. That 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within a reasonable range, meaning graduates would likely be carrying debt equal to about eight months of their annual salary, which is far from crisis territory for a bachelor's degree.

The challenge becomes clearer when you compare Stevenson's peer programs with actual reported outcomes. The University of Maryland-College Park and Towson University both report first-year earnings exceeding $42,000 for their communication graduates—roughly $6,000 more annually than what similar programs typically produce. That gap matters considerably over the first several years of career building. Even Mount St. Mary's, a smaller private institution, shows graduates earning around $39,000.

Without program-specific data for Stevenson, you're making a decision with limited visibility. The estimated figures place this program squarely in the middle of Maryland's communication landscape—not alarming, but not competitive with the state's stronger options either. If your child is set on Stevenson for other reasons (fit, location, specific faculty), these estimates don't suggest financial disaster. But if outcomes matter most, programs with track records showing $42,000+ starting salaries deserve serious consideration, especially given that the debt loads appear similar across Maryland schools.

Where Stevenson University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (16 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Stevenson UniversityOwings Mills$39,708$36,880*$26,156*
University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi$7,992$53,513*$56,684$27,971*0.52
University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park$11,505$43,696*$63,691$20,000*0.46
Towson UniversityTowson$11,306$42,657*$56,404$20,309*0.48
Loyola University MarylandBaltimore$55,480$42,640*$62,264$27,000*0.63
Mount St. Mary's UniversityEmmitsburg$47,240$39,055*$50,789$26,312*0.67
National Median$34,959*$25,000*0.72
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in MD. Actual outcomes may vary.