Communication and Media Studies at University of New Haven

At $27,918 in first-year earnings, this program lands significantly below what most Connecticut communication graduates earn. While it ranks at the 40th percentile statewide—meaning slightly below average for Connecticut—it falls to just the 14th percentile nationally. To put that in perspective, UConn graduates in the same field earn $40,473, nearly 50% more, while Fairfield grads command $46,677. The debt load of $27,000 roughly equals the entire first year's salary, creating an immediate financial strain that higher-earning programs avoid.

The program's accessibility (81% admission rate, modest SAT scores) may appeal to families seeking options beyond selective schools, but the earnings gap suggests students aren't compensating with lower costs—they're taking on typical debt for distinctly below-average outcomes. With 18 communication programs across Connecticut, families have alternatives that deliver better return on investment without requiring elite credentials.

For parents, this comes down to whether their child has specific reasons to attend University of New Haven beyond the communication major itself—location, campus culture, or other program offerings. As a standalone investment in communication studies, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere within Connecticut's public and private options, where graduates typically earn $5,000-$19,000 more in year one with similar debt loads.