Communication and Media Studies at Washington State University

Washington State University's communication program delivers solid outcomes that outperform most of its peers, though the debt estimate deserves careful scrutiny. With first-year earnings of $38,747 placing the program in the 70th percentile nationally and 60th in Washington, graduates earn more than the typical communications major. That's real value in a field where many programs struggle to launch careers effectively. The estimated debt of $17,154—derived from similar Washington State programs—produces a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio, well below concerning thresholds.

The earnings trajectory looks particularly promising: graduates see 37% income growth by year four, reaching $52,979. This suggests WSU's program opens doors to career advancement rather than leaving graduates stuck in entry-level media positions. While the university's UW campuses show higher starting salaries (around $44,600), those come with significantly higher debt loads, and WSU's more affordable path may prove smarter long-term given communications' typical salary arc.

The caveat: because actual debt figures aren't available for this specific program, that $17,154 estimate could miss the mark. If your student is considering this path, get a personalized financial aid package from WSU to understand their actual borrowing needs. The earnings outcomes suggest graduates can handle reasonable debt, but you want confirmation that "reasonable" matches your family's situation.