Communication and Media Studies at Walden University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (29 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walden University | $40,423* | $60,390 | $43,566 | — |
| Gustavus Adolphus College | $50,074* | $54,826 | $27,000 | 0.54 |
| Concordia University-Saint Paul | $46,327* | — | — | — |
| Metropolitan State University | $46,320* | $53,180 | $34,933 | 0.75 |
| College of Saint Benedict | $45,702* | $56,614 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| University of St Thomas | $45,100* | — | $27,000 | 0.60 |
| National Median | $34,959* | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in Minnesota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter | $54,310 | $50,074 | $27,000 |
| Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul | $25,000 | $46,327 | — |
| Metropolitan State University Saint Paul | $9,780 | $46,320 | $34,933 |
| College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph | $53,884 | $45,702 | $27,000 |
| University of St Thomas Saint Paul | $52,284 | $45,100 | $27,000 |
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 Walden University, approximately 50% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 19 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.