Analysis
Catholic University's Communications program outperforms most schools nationally but lands in the middle of DC's competitive market. Starting at $43,259, graduates earn roughly $20,000 more than the national median—placing them in the 92nd percentile compared to similar programs across the country. However, within DC itself, where seven schools compete in this field, it ranks 60th percentile, trailing George Washington by about $7,000 but well ahead of Gallaudet.
The financial equation looks manageable: $27,000 in debt against first-year earnings creates a 0.62 ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly seven months of salary. That's better than three-quarters of programs nationally. More encouraging is the 44% earnings jump to $62,150 by year four, suggesting graduates successfully leverage DC's media landscape—home to news outlets, advocacy groups, and government communications roles—to advance their careers.
The catch is sample size: fewer than 30 recent graduates means one unusually successful (or struggling) cohort could skew these numbers significantly. Still, being roughly $7,000 below GW while likely paying less in tuition (and carrying similar debt) positions this as a reasonable option for students who want DC's professional opportunities without paying top-tier prices. Just recognize you're betting on limited data and middle-of-the-pack outcomes in a city where communications credentials compete heavily.
Where The Catholic University of America Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The Catholic University of America graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Catholic University of America | $43,259 | $62,150 | +44% |
| Cornell University | $62,182 | $80,616 | +30% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $53,022 | $77,464 | +46% |
| George Washington University | $50,552 | $65,477 | +30% |
| American University | $36,980 | $64,488 | +74% |
Compare to Similar Programs in District of Columbia
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in District of Columbia (7 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The Catholic University of AmericaWashington | $55,834 | $43,259 | $62,150 | $27,000 | 0.62 |
 George Washington UniversityWashington | $64,990 | $50,552 | $65,477 | $25,000 | 0.49 |
 American UniversityWashington | $56,543 | $36,980 | $64,488 | $22,611 | 0.61 |
 Gallaudet UniversityWashington | $18,382 | $25,747 | — | $25,000 | 0.97 |
| 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 The Catholic University of America, approximately 17% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.