Analysis
The University of Memphis communication program starts rough but shows impressive momentum—graduates earn just $26,922 initially, landing in the 10th percentile nationally, but four years out they've reached $37,313, a 39% jump that outpaces the national median. This growth trajectory matters for families worried about those first lean years, though it doesn't fully close the gap with Tennessee's stronger programs at Belmont ($41,889) and UT-Knoxville ($41,258).
Within Tennessee, this program sits right at the state median, ranking in the 40th percentile among 25 communication programs. The $23,381 in debt is manageable—less than Tennessee's median and representing just 0.87 times first-year earnings. An accessible school serving many Pell-eligible students, Memphis delivers a communication degree that eventually hits respectable earning power without crushing debt.
The path here requires patience through those early career years when earnings lag significantly behind peers. But for Tennessee families seeking an affordable entry point into media work with solid growth potential, this represents a workable investment—just understand you're trading immediate earning power for a steadier climb up the salary ladder.
Where University of Memphis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Memphis 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 Memphis | $26,922 | $37,313 | +39% |
| Belmont University | $41,889 | $56,043 | +34% |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $41,258 | $48,099 | +17% |
| The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | $33,082 | $45,448 | +37% |
| Austin Peay State University | $25,643 | $39,844 | +55% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of MemphisMemphis | $10,344 | $26,922 | $37,313 | $23,381 | 0.87 |
 Belmont UniversityNashville | $41,320 | $41,889 | $56,043 | $22,125 | 0.53 |
 The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville | $13,484 | $41,258 | $48,099 | $20,875 | 0.51 |
 The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga | $10,144 | $33,082 | $45,448 | $21,831 | 0.66 |
 Lipscomb UniversityNashville | $38,824 | $31,767 | — | $21,253 | 0.67 |
 Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro | $9,506 | $29,877 | $37,594 | $24,329 | 0.81 |
| 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 Memphis, approximately 40% 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 72 graduates with reported earnings and 80 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.