Communication and Media Studies at University of Denver

University of Denver's Communication and Media Studies graduates start modestly at $36,234 but see their earnings jump 47% to $53,098 within four years—a trajectory that significantly outpaces typical career progression in this field. While the program ranks just below Colorado's median initially (40th percentile), that four-year mark tells a different story about long-term value. The $24,500 in debt is manageable given the earnings growth, representing less than half of second-year income.

Here's what requires honest consideration: the first year is genuinely lean at just over $36,000, trailing several in-state alternatives like CU Boulder ($39,738) and Colorado State ($38,731). For parents paying private school tuition at a 71% admission rate institution, that initial salary gap matters. However, the dramatic earnings acceleration suggests DU graduates may be accessing career advancement opportunities that take time to materialize—perhaps through Denver's media and corporate communications sectors or the school's professional networks.

The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) adds some uncertainty, but the pattern is clear: this is a delayed payoff program where the first job doesn't tell the full story. If your student can weather or supplement that initial income period, the four-year outlook justifies the investment. For families needing stronger immediate earnings to service debt, the more established Colorado public options merit serious consideration.