Communication and Media Studies at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pitt's Communication and Media Studies program shows exactly what many parents hope for: graduates who start modestly but see substantial income growth within a few years. That 46% jump from $35,781 to $52,168 in just three years suggests graduates are successfully moving into more senior roles—a pattern that isn't universal in communications degrees.

The numbers tell a practical story. With $27,000 in debt (well below the national median for this major), graduates face manageable payments even in that first year when earnings are still building. Within Pennsylvania, this program ranks in the 60th percentile—solidly above the state's $32,386 median and notably ahead of programs at schools like Saint Joseph's and Washington & Jefferson. Only Penn and Villanova substantially outperform it, and those come with different price tags and admission selectivity.

The real strength here is the trajectory. Many communications programs show flat or declining earnings over time, but Pitt graduates appear to be gaining traction in their careers rather than treading water. For a family considering a communications degree at a selective public university, this program offers a reasonable path forward—debt that won't be crushing and earnings that actually improve with experience.