Est. Earnings (1yr)
$34,858
Est. from KY median (11 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,853
Est. from KY median (5 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Thomas More UniversityCrestview Hills$38,400$34,858*$25,853*
Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond$10,130$40,429*$43,102$25,000*0.62
University of KentuckyLexington$13,212$39,311*$46,390$23,875*0.61
Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights$10,896$38,637*$44,868$25,000*0.65
University of LouisvilleLouisville$12,828$38,219*$45,739$23,375*0.61
Georgetown CollegeGeorgetown$42,010$35,442*$41,922$26,750*0.75
National Median$34,959*$25,000*0.72
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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.