Communication and Media Studies at The University of Montana

The University of Montana's Communication and Media Studies program starts graduates at $34,377—essentially matching both the national median and state average—but the story gets more interesting over time. Four years out, earnings jump 33% to $45,670, suggesting graduates are successfully translating their degrees into career advancement. Among Montana's five programs in this field, this one ranks in the 60th percentile, making it a solid in-state choice for students committed to staying regional.

The debt picture deserves attention: at $20,328, graduates owe about $5,000 less than the typical communication major nationwide. That translates to a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one, well below levels that typically cause financial stress. Combined with UM's 96% admission rate, this represents an accessible entry point into media careers without the debt burden that often accompanies communications degrees at private institutions.

For Montana families, this program offers reasonable value if your student has realistic career expectations. The earnings trajectory shows upward momentum rather than stagnation, and the debt load won't be crushing. However, understand that communication majors anywhere rarely command high starting salaries—this program performs adequately but won't fast-track graduates into lucrative careers. The moderate sample size suggests consistent enough outcomes to trust the numbers, making this a practical option for students drawn to media work who want to stay in Montana.