Communication and Media Studies at University of Bridgeport

The most striking aspect of this program isn't just that graduates earn $14,000 less than the Connecticut median for communications majors—it's that even among Connecticut programs, this ranks near the bottom 10th percentile. When nearby UConn graduates are earning double what University of Bridgeport grads make in their first year, that gap demands serious attention. The modest debt load of $25,812 might seem manageable in isolation, but it translates to more than a full year's salary for new graduates.

The dramatic earnings jump to $42,048 by year four offers some hope, though it's worth noting this data comes from a very small sample of graduates (under 30), making it less reliable than larger datasets. Even with that growth, graduates still trail their peers at other Connecticut schools. The university serves a predominantly working-class student body—52% receive Pell grants—but the early-career earnings suggest this particular major isn't delivering the economic mobility these students need.

For an anxious parent, the bottom line is clear: if your child is set on communications, Connecticut offers better options at similar or lower debt levels. The four-year earnings recovery doesn't fully compensate for starting so far behind, especially when UConn or Fairfield graduates begin with earnings that exceed where Bridgeport grads land after four years in the workforce.