Communication and Media Studies at University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online
Bachelor's Degree
cps.unh.edu/onlineAnalysis
Similar communication programs in New Hampshire suggest first-year earnings around $39,000, which leaves graduates of this online bachelor's program starting roughly on par with the state median but facing a meaningful debt load of $27,000. That translates to about eight months of gross income—manageable on paper, but tight when you're navigating entry-level media work that often comes with irregular hours or freelance stretches.
The four-year earnings figure of $57,379 shows encouraging growth and puts graduates closer to competitors like UNH's main campus ($43,551 first-year). However, without actual early-career data from this specific program, it's unclear whether online students access the same employer networks or internship pipelines that help campus-based peers land stronger first positions. The 32% Pell grant population suggests many students here are balancing financial constraints, making that initial salary particularly important for meeting loan obligations.
For parents, the key question is whether the online format provides enough career support to match the trajectory seen in peer programs. If your child needs flexibility and can supplement coursework with strong internships or local media connections, the debt burden is reasonable. But if they're expecting the program alone to open doors, the estimated starting salary—combined with uncertainty about actual outcomes—means you're betting on your child's hustle as much as the credential itself.
Where University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online | — | $57,379 | — |
| Saint Anselm College | $43,819 | $59,314 | +35% |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | $43,551 | $57,379 | +32% |
| University of New Hampshire at Manchester | $43,551 | $57,379 | +32% |
| Plymouth State University | $31,293 | $52,859 | +69% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,812 | $38,962* | $57,379 | $27,000 | — | |
| $46,810 | $43,819* | $59,314 | $27,000 | 0.62 | |
| $19,112 | $43,551* | $57,379 | $27,000 | 0.62 | |
| $15,820 | $43,551* | $57,379 | $27,000 | 0.62 | |
| $14,710 | $34,372* | $46,711 | $25,000 | 0.73 | |
| $14,558 | $31,293* | $52,859 | $27,000 | 0.86 | |
| 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 New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online, approximately 32% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in NH. Actual outcomes may vary.