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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,708 | $36,880* | — | $26,156* | — | |
| $7,992 | $53,513* | $56,684 | $27,971* | 0.52 | |
| $11,505 | $43,696* | $63,691 | $20,000* | 0.46 | |
| $11,306 | $42,657* | $56,404 | $20,309* | 0.48 | |
| $55,480 | $42,640* | $62,264 | $27,000* | 0.63 | |
| $47,240 | $39,055* | $50,789 | $26,312* | 0.67 | |
| 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 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.