Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Michigan-Flint

Median Earnings (1yr)

$35,982

55th percentile

40th percentile in Michigan

Median Debt

$30,250

21% above national median

Analysis

At $35,982 in first-year earnings, University of Michigan-Flint's Communication and Media Studies program lands near the national median but trails most Michigan competitors. The 40th percentile state ranking tells the real story—graduates here earn about $10,000 less annually than peers from UM-Ann Arbor's flagship program and roughly $4,000 below typical Michigan outcomes for this major. While earnings do grow to just over $40,000 by year four, that's still modest for a degree that carries above-average debt.

The debt picture deserves attention: $30,250 is higher than 95% of communication programs nationally and exceeds Michigan's typical burden for this field by $3,375. The 0.84 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming, but it means graduates will face meaningful loan payments relative to their starting salaries. For a regional campus serving many Pell-eligible students (35%), taking on above-average debt for below-average state outcomes creates financial pressure.

If your student is committed to communications and needs to stay in the Flint area, this program works—graduates do find jobs and see income growth. But if they have flexibility, nearby Eastern Michigan or Oakland University deliver comparable or better earnings with less debt. The value proposition here depends heavily on location constraints and net cost after aid.

Where University of Michigan-Flint Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Michigan-Flint 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 Michigan-Flint	$35,982	$40,366	+12%
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	$50,556	$66,507	+32%
Michigan State University	$36,390	$55,915	+54%
Central Michigan University	$31,913	$51,268	+61%
Albion College	$39,209	$49,262	+26%

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (34 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of Michigan-FlintFlint	$14,014	$35,982	$40,366	$30,250	0.84
University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor	$17,228	$50,556	$66,507	$20,376	0.40
Albion CollegeAlbion	$55,746	$39,209	$49,262	$27,000	0.69
Hope CollegeHolland	$40,420	$38,956	$47,958	$27,000	0.69
Oakland UniversityRochester Hills	$14,694	$37,795	$45,064	$24,125	0.64
Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti	$15,510	$36,717	$43,310	$29,102	0.79
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 Michigan-Flint, approximately 35% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 45 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.