Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Maine

Median Earnings (1yr)

$37,192

62nd percentile

Median Debt

$26,057

4% above national median

Analysis

University of Maine's communication program delivers something increasingly rare in this field: genuine earnings growth. Starting at $37,192, graduates see their income jump 40% to over $52,000 within four years—a trajectory that outpaces most media studies programs, where earnings often stagnate in the low-to-mid $30,000s. Among Maine's four communication programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, and it beats the national median by about $2,200 in year one.

The debt load of $26,057 is manageable given the earnings path, creating a first-year ratio of 0.70—well below the concerning 1.0 threshold. While that initial salary isn't eye-popping, the strong growth suggests graduates are moving into more senior roles or pivoting effectively within Maine's media landscape. This is particularly relevant in a state where career advancement can be challenging in creative fields.

For families concerned about the typical communication studies outcome—low pay with limited upward mobility—this program offers a more promising alternative. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings growth makes it a reasonable bet for students committed to media careers, especially those planning to stay in the region where UMaine's network is strongest.

Where University of Maine Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Maine 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 Maine	$37,192	$52,096	+40%
Cornell University	$62,182	$80,616	+30%
University of Pennsylvania	$53,022	$77,464	+46%
Northwestern University	$52,210	$77,066	+48%
University of Southern Maine	$35,920	$43,007	+20%

Compare to Similar Programs in Maine

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maine (4 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of MaineOrono	$12,606	$37,192	$52,096	$26,057	0.70
University of Southern MainePortland	$10,920	$35,920	$43,007	$22,623	0.63
National Median	—	$34,959	—	$25,000	0.72

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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 Maine, approximately 22% 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 51 graduates with reported earnings and 61 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.