Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Wayne State University

Wayne State's media program starts rough but shows dramatic improvement, though the initial numbers should give any parent pause. That $20,526 first-year salary lands graduates in the 5th percentile nationally—essentially, 95% of similar programs deliver better immediate outcomes. Even within Michigan's media landscape, this ranks only at the 25th percentile, trailing programs at Central Michigan and Grand Valley State by $3,000-$9,000 in early earnings.

The story gets more complicated over time. Earnings nearly double by year four, reaching $38,706—a remarkable 89% jump that suggests graduates eventually find their footing. However, they're doing it while carrying $34,019 in debt, which is 40% higher than Michigan's median for this program and nearly $10,000 above the national benchmark. That debt burden matters when you're making barely $20,000 initially.

Here's the critical caveat: these numbers reflect fewer than 30 graduates, making them less reliable. Small samples can swing dramatically year to year based on where just a handful of students land jobs. If your child is set on media at Wayne State, understand they'll likely face a financially tight first few years post-graduation, and the long-term earnings picture—while improving—comes with substantial debt that will constrain their budget well into their twenties.