Communication and Media Studies at University of Oregon

The University of Oregon's Communication and Media Studies program comes with a significant caveat: these numbers represent fewer than 30 graduates, making them statistically unstable. That said, what we can see isn't particularly encouraging. Starting at $33,165, graduates earn less than the national median for comm programs and trail significantly behind Oregon State ($40,737) and Western Oregon ($37,600). While UO performs at the 60th percentile statewide, that's partly because Oregon's comm programs cluster at the lower end nationally.

The debt picture offers a rare bright spot. At $16,500, graduates carry substantially less burden than both the state median ($23,584) and national median ($25,000). The 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, meaning graduates should be able to handle payments without undue strain. However, this lower debt may reflect students leaving before completing the degree or transferring rather than some institutional advantage.

Given the small sample size, these numbers could swing dramatically with just a few high or low earners. If your child is committed to media or communications, they're looking at multiple Oregon schools where graduates earn $4,000-$7,500 more annually from day one. That difference compounds significantly over a career. Unless UO offers specific program features, faculty connections, or opportunities unavailable elsewhere, the stronger-performing state schools warrant serious consideration.