Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,962
Est. from NH median (6 programs)
Median Debt
$27,000
8% above national median

Analysis

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies OnlineManchester$7,812$38,962*$57,379$27,000
Saint Anselm CollegeManchester$46,810$43,819*$59,314$27,0000.62
University of New Hampshire-Main CampusDurham$19,112$43,551*$57,379$27,0000.62
University of New Hampshire at ManchesterManchester$15,820$43,551*$57,379$27,0000.62
Keene State CollegeKeene$14,710$34,372*$46,711$25,0000.73
Plymouth State UniversityPlymouth$14,558$31,293*$52,859$27,0000.86
National Median$34,959*$25,0000.72
* Estimated from similar programs

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 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.