Communication and Media Studies at University of Georgia

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.