Communication and Media Studies at Westmont College

Westmont's Communication and Media Studies program delivers earnings that outperform most programs nationally but land in the middle of California's competitive landscape. At $41,225 in first-year earnings, graduates earn 18% more than the national median for this major and sit at the 83rd percentile nationwide—solid performance for a field often criticized for weak job prospects. However, against California's 68 communication programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile, trailing schools like Cal Poly SLO and Santa Clara by significant margins.

The debt picture offers reasonable protection. With $23,250 in median debt and a 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates can realistically manage their loans—that's slightly better than California's median debt for this program and means borrowers face a debt burden roughly half their starting salary. The 6% earnings growth to year four suggests stable rather than dramatic career progression, which is typical for media and communications roles.

For parents evaluating this program, Westmont represents a safe bet rather than a standout investment. Your child won't struggle with crushing debt, and they'll likely earn more than most communication graduates nationwide. But if staying in California is the plan, recognize that several state schools deliver stronger earnings at lower price points. This works best for students drawn to Westmont's small Christian college environment who understand they're paying partly for that experience, not just maximum earnings potential.