Communication and Media Studies at Stonehill College

Stonehill's communication program starts graduates at modest wages—$37,543—but then does something unusual: earnings jump 56% by year four, reaching $58,586. That trajectory outpaces most Massachusetts communication programs, where the typical graduate earns just $36,380 initially and sees less dramatic growth.

The $25,000 debt load is right at national norms, meaning graduates owe two-thirds of their first-year salary—manageable but not exceptional. What matters more is where they land after a few years in the workforce. By year four, that debt represents just 43% of annual earnings, a significant improvement. Among Bay State communication programs, Stonehill sits at the 60th percentile, trailing the big Boston names (BC grads earn $55,000+ right away) but delivering stronger outcomes than many competitors with similar starting salaries.

The practical takeaway: This isn't a program that launches careers with high-paying first jobs, but graduates appear to build momentum quickly. If your child needs immediate earning power to service debt, the initial salary creates some tightness. But for families who can provide modest support during those early years, the growth pattern suggests graduates develop marketable skills that employers increasingly value. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes will vary, but the trend is encouraging for a liberal arts communication degree.