Analysis
Thomas More's communication and media studies bachelor's degree appears to track closely with typical outcomes across Kentucky, where similar programs suggest first-year earnings around $34,858—essentially matching the national median for this field. With estimated debt of about $25,853, graduates would be looking at a debt load roughly three-quarters of their first-year salary, which falls within manageable territory for a four-year degree. However, it's worth noting that several larger Kentucky universities with reported data show their communication graduates earning $3,500 to $5,500 more annually, suggesting that program size or institutional resources might matter in this field.
The challenge here is that we're working entirely with estimates derived from peer programs in Kentucky—the actual graduate pool from Thomas More's specific program is too small for the Department of Education to publish outcomes. This makes it harder to assess whether this particular program performs better or worse than state averages. The 97% admission rate and relatively accessible profile suggest Thomas More serves students who might not get into more selective competitors, but whether those students achieve comparable career outcomes in communication fields remains unclear without actual data.
For families considering this program, the estimated financials don't raise red flags, but the absence of tracked outcomes means you're essentially betting that Thomas More's results mirror the Kentucky average. If your student has options at schools like Eastern Kentucky or Northern Kentucky—where reported data shows stronger early earnings—those might offer more certainty about return on investment.
Where Thomas More University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,400 | $34,858* | — | $25,853* | — | |
| $10,130 | $40,429* | $43,102 | $25,000* | 0.62 | |
| $13,212 | $39,311* | $46,390 | $23,875* | 0.61 | |
| $10,896 | $38,637* | $44,868 | $25,000* | 0.65 | |
| $12,828 | $38,219* | $45,739 | $23,375* | 0.61 | |
| $42,010 | $35,442* | $41,922 | $26,750* | 0.75 | |
| 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 Thomas More University, approximately 22% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 11 similar programs in KY. Actual outcomes may vary.