Analysis
Ursinus delivers solid value for communication majors, particularly if you're comparing it to other Pennsylvania options. With first-year earnings of $35,420 and four-year earnings reaching $46,118, graduates here outpace 60% of Pennsylvania programs in the same field—an important advantage when most students will be competing for jobs in the regional market. That 30% earnings growth over four years also suggests graduates are gaining traction in their careers rather than stalling early.
The debt picture strengthens the case. At $27,000, Ursinus graduates carry manageable debt—lower than 75% of similar programs nationally. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 means you'd owe less than one year's starting salary, a threshold that makes monthly payments more sustainable. While the program doesn't match the elite outcomes at Penn or Villanova (which start around $53,000), it significantly outperforms the Pennsylvania median of $32,386.
For families considering a liberal arts college for communications, this represents a reasonable investment. You're paying for more than just earnings—the small school experience matters—but you're not taking on crushing debt to get there. The moderate sample size suggests this data reflects consistent outcomes rather than a lucky few graduates.
Where Ursinus College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ursinus College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ursinus College | $35,420 | $46,118 | +30% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $53,022 | $77,464 | +46% |
| Villanova University | $52,294 | $61,471 | +18% |
| Albright College | $31,704 | $56,257 | +77% |
| Muhlenberg College | $29,950 | $54,667 | +83% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (63 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ursinus CollegeCollegeville | $59,196 | $35,420 | $46,118 | $27,000 | 0.76 |
 University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia | $66,104 | $53,022 | $77,464 | $15,637 | 0.29 |
 Villanova UniversityVillanova | $64,701 | $52,294 | $61,471 | $26,456 | 0.51 |
 Messiah UniversityMechanicsburg | $40,640 | $45,021 | $45,306 | — | — |
 Washington & Jefferson CollegeWashington | $28,185 | $39,584 | — | $27,000 | 0.68 |
 Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia | $51,340 | $38,024 | $52,915 | $26,990 | 0.71 |
| National Median | — | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Ursinus College, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 47 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.