Communication and Media Studies at Utah Tech University

Utah Tech's Communication and Media Studies program starts graduates at below-market rates—$32,815 is well under both the national median ($34,959) and particularly concerning when measured against other Utah programs, where it ranks in just the 25th percentile. The state's median for this major is $40,392, meaning graduates here earn roughly $7,500 less annually than peers at other Utah schools. Every other Utah institution with published data shows stronger first-year outcomes.

The program's saving grace is impressive earnings growth: income jumps 45% by year four to $47,417, ultimately overtaking the national median and closing much of the gap with in-state competitors. With debt of $20,500—reasonably manageable at 0.62 times first-year earnings—this becomes a slow-burn investment rather than an immediate payoff. Graduates need to weather those initial lean years, but the trajectory suggests real career momentum for those who stick it out.

For families prioritizing immediate post-graduation earnings or considering other Utah schools with better starting salaries, this program lags behind. But if your student can handle a modest salary in year one (possibly while living at home in Saint George) and values Utah Tech's lower cost structure, the four-year outlook becomes substantially more competitive. The key question: can they afford to be patient?