Communication and Media Studies at The University of Alabama

Alabama's Communication and Media Studies program outperforms most competitors, placing graduates well above both national and state medians. With first-year earnings of $40,790—nearly $6,000 above the national median and $7,600 above the state median—this program stands out in a field often criticized for weak job prospects. Among Alabama's 20 communication programs, only Samford produces slightly higher earners, while Alabama beats larger competitors like Auburn and UAB by meaningful margins.

The $25,000 debt load is exactly average for this field nationally, but when matched against above-average earnings, it creates a manageable 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio. Graduates can reasonably expect to pay off loans while building their careers, especially given the 13% earnings growth to nearly $46,000 by year four. This isn't a path to quick wealth, but it's a solid financial foundation for students drawn to media and communication work.

For Alabama families, this represents one of the stronger in-state options for communication studies without paying Samford's private school premium. The combination of above-average starting salaries, reasonable debt, and steady earnings growth makes this a defensible choice for students committed to the field.