Analysis
UGA's Communication and Media Studies program punches well above its weight, with first-year earnings of $44,283 placing it in the 95th percentile nationally—about $9,000 above the typical graduate in this field. Within Georgia's 26 communication programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, outearning most in-state competitors except DeVry and Kennesaw State. The $22,500 median debt sits below both state and national medians, though it's not negligible. That 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates typically owe about half their first year's salary, a manageable position that improves as earnings grow 16% by year four.
The real question is whether these outcomes justify the investment compared to staying closer to home or choosing a less selective school. While programs like DeVry show slightly higher starting salaries, UGA offers the brand recognition and network of a flagship state university at a reasonable debt level. The consistent earnings growth suggests graduates find stable career paths rather than hitting early ceilings.
For Georgia families, this represents one of the stronger communication programs in the state without requiring the private school premium. The combination of solid starting salaries, reasonable debt, and room for growth makes this a defensible choice for students genuinely committed to the field.
Where University of Georgia Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Georgia graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia | $44,283 | $51,314 | +16% |
| Mercer University | $35,712 | $55,962 | +57% |
| Georgia State University | $27,917 | $51,612 | +85% |
| Kennesaw State University | $43,420 | $47,346 | +9% |
| DeVry University-Georgia | $47,622 | $47,238 | -1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of GeorgiaAthens | $11,180 | $44,283 | $51,314 | $22,500 | 0.51 |
 DeVry University-GeorgiaDecatur | $17,488 | $47,622 | $47,238 | $56,858 | 1.19 |
 Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw | $5,786 | $43,420 | $47,346 | $30,022 | 0.69 |
 University of North GeorgiaDahlonega | $5,009 | $38,237 | $38,044 | $19,000 | 0.50 |
 Emory UniversityAtlanta | $60,774 | $37,237 | — | $21,000 | 0.56 |
 Mercer UniversityMacon | $40,890 | $35,712 | $55,962 | $26,990 | 0.76 |
| 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 University of Georgia, approximately 17% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 133 graduates with reported earnings and 139 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.