Communication and Media Studies at University of New Hampshire at Manchester

UNH Manchester's communication program punches well above its weight nationally—graduates earn 25% more than the typical communications major—but that advantage largely disappears when you zoom in on New Hampshire. The $43,551 first-year salary matches what students earn at the flagship Durham campus and Saint Anselm, meaning you're getting flagship-level outcomes at a regional campus with an 87% admission rate. The $27,000 median debt sits right at state average, creating a manageable 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio that's considerably better than most communications programs nationwide.

The 32% earnings jump between years one and four suggests graduates successfully navigate into better-paying roles rather than hitting an early ceiling. Still, the 60th percentile state ranking reveals the real dynamic: New Hampshire communications programs generally outperform national benchmarks, so "above average here" means "exceptional nationally" but "middle-of-the-pack locally." You're competing with just 10 programs statewide, and this one lands squarely in the top half.

For families seeking communications training without the premium price tag of Saint Anselm or the competitiveness of the Durham flagship, Manchester delivers comparable results with more accessible admissions. The debt load is reasonable, earnings growth is strong, and you're avoiding the sub-$32,000 outcomes at Plymouth State or Franklin Pierce. This is a solid bet for students who want the UNH brand and strong outcomes without the main campus experience.