Communication and Media Studies at University of La Verne

The $22,500 in debt here is manageable, but the earnings tell a concerning story. At $29,305 one year out, La Verne's communication grads start about 23% below California's median for this major and 16% below the national average. Among California's 68 communication programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of comparable in-state programs produce higher earners.

The silver lining is meaningful earnings growth: graduates see their income jump 55% by year four to $45,274. That's a faster trajectory than many communication programs offer, suggesting the degree provides skills that employers increasingly value with experience. However, even after that growth, earnings still trail the state median, and California offers notably stronger alternatives—Cal Poly SLO grads earn more than double these four-year figures.

For a family paying in-state tuition at La Verne, this comes down to cost. If you're choosing between this and a less expensive CSU or community college transfer route, the CSU likely offers better value given La Verne's middling outcomes. If your child is already committed to La Verne for other reasons, communication remains viable with that debt load, but they should plan for a lean first few years and focus on internships that accelerate the earnings curve.