Communication and Media Studies at University of Utah

The University of Utah's Communication and Media Studies program dramatically outperforms the national field, with first-year earnings of $43,801 versus a national median of just $34,959. That's a 25% premium right out of the gate, placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationally. The $18,017 median debt—well below the national median of $25,000—creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary. Strong 22% earnings growth to $53,623 by year four suggests graduates are building solid careers, not just landing entry-level jobs.

Within Utah, the picture is more competitive but still solid. At the 60th percentile statewide, this program trails BYU and Utah Valley but holds its own against other state schools. Given Utah's relatively strong communication programs overall, landing in the middle of the pack here while dominating nationally is actually a positive signal about the program's quality.

For an accessible state flagship (87% admission rate) that costs less than most private alternatives, this represents an unusually strong value proposition in a field often criticized for weak earnings. Your child would graduate with manageable debt and earnings that actually compete with many technical fields—a rare combination in the humanities.