Communication and Media Studies at University of Maryland-Baltimore County

UMBC's communication program starts significantly behind the pack but shows impressive momentum—first-year graduates earn just $30,737, placing this program in the bottom quarter both nationally and among Maryland's 16 communication programs. However, the 62% earnings jump to nearly $50,000 by year four suggests graduates eventually find their footing in the field. For context, University of Maryland-College Park's communication majors start at $43,696, giving them a $13,000 head start that compounds over time.

The debt load of $24,389 is reasonable and slightly below state and national medians, creating manageable monthly payments even during that challenging first year. This program essentially trades a rough initial period for long-term growth—the question is whether your family can weather those early years. Given UMBC's 74% admission rate and solid academic profile (average SAT of 1299), students here aren't being set up to fail; they're just entering competitive media markets where junior positions pay modestly.

If your child has financial cushion for the first few years post-graduation—whether through family support, low living costs, or side income—this program can work out. But families expecting immediate financial independence after graduation should look at UMBC's faster-starting alternatives or consider Maryland-College Park, where communication grads earn 42% more right out of the gate for similar debt levels.