Analysis
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.
Where The University of Alabama Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Alabama 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 University of Alabama | $40,790 | $45,947 | +13% |
| Auburn University | $35,929 | $54,188 | +51% |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | $33,190 | $40,729 | +23% |
| Jacksonville State University | $35,147 | $38,577 | +10% |
| University of South Alabama | $30,153 | $38,521 | +28% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa | $11,900 | $40,790 | $45,947 | $25,000 | 0.61 |
 Samford UniversityBirmingham | $38,144 | $39,690 | — | — | — |
 Auburn UniversityAuburn | $12,536 | $35,929 | $54,188 | $20,675 | 0.58 |
 Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville | $12,426 | $35,147 | $38,577 | $24,750 | 0.70 |
 University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham | $8,832 | $33,190 | $40,729 | $26,000 | 0.78 |
 Troy UniversityTroy | $9,792 | $33,154 | $32,179 | $23,250 | 0.70 |
| 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 University of Alabama, approximately 18% 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 99 graduates with reported earnings and 111 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.