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 Alabama

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (20 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Talladega College$19,442
The University of Alabama$40,790$45,947$25,0000.61
Samford University$39,690
Auburn University$35,929$54,188$20,6750.58
Jacksonville State University$35,147$38,577$24,7500.70
University of Alabama at Birmingham$33,190$40,729$26,0000.78
National Median$34,959$25,0000.72

Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in Alabama

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa
$11,900$40,790$25,000
Samford University
Birmingham
$38,144$39,690
Auburn University
Auburn
$12,536$35,929$20,675
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville
$12,426$35,147$24,750
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham
$8,832$33,190$26,000

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 Talladega College, approximately 76% 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.