Communication and Media Studies at University of Missouri-St Louis

UMSL's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $32,809 in their first year—below both the Missouri median ($33,905) and the national median ($34,959). Among the 39 Missouri schools offering this program, UMSL ranks in just the 40th percentile, trailing notably behind Mizzou's $44,078 and even regional competitors like Southeast Missouri State. The debt load of $21,326 is actually lighter than typical for this field, but that's offset by the below-average starting salary.

The earnings trajectory offers some reassurance: graduates see 23% income growth by year four, reaching $40,447. That's meaningful improvement, though it still leaves them behind the starting salaries at stronger in-state alternatives. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 is manageable, particularly compared to programs where graduates carry debt equal to or exceeding their first-year salary.

For Missouri families, this comes down to opportunity cost. If your child can access Mizzou (where communications grads start $11,000 higher) or even Lindenwood, that gap matters more than the modest debt savings here. UMSL works for students who need to stay local in St. Louis and can keep costs low, but the earning outcomes suggest this program isn't positioning graduates as competitively as peer institutions across the state.