Communication and Media Studies at University of Southern Maine

University of Southern Maine's Communication and Media Studies program sits in an awkward middle ground: nationally competitive but trailing within Maine itself. At $35,920 one year out, graduates earn slightly above the national median for this major—but they're earning about $1,600 less than the typical Maine communications graduate. With only four programs in the state, this 40th percentile ranking means you're looking at the second or third choice among limited options, notably behind the University of Maine's stronger placement.

The financial picture is serviceable but not impressive. The $22,623 median debt produces a manageable 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio, below the $25,000 national median for the major. Earnings do climb 20% by year four to $43,007, which suggests graduates find their footing eventually. However, communications remains a field where starting salaries rarely wow parents, and USM doesn't offer the differentiation needed to justify choosing it over University of Maine if both are accessible.

For in-state students paying public tuition rates, this works as a backup option—the debt is reasonable and the outcomes are survivable. But if your student is considering out-of-state tuition or choosing between Maine schools, that lagging state performance relative to other options should factor heavily into the decision. This is a program that gets the job done without standing out.