Communication and Media Studies at William Paterson University of New Jersey

William Paterson's Communication and Media Studies program starts slow but shows unusual momentum, with graduates seeing nearly 40% earnings growth by year four—reaching $44,283 from a modest $31,870 initial salary. Among New Jersey's 22 communication programs, this places solidly at the 60th percentile, outperforming the state median despite lagging behind flagship options like Rutgers or The College of New Jersey.

The $26,439 median debt sits right at national norms, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83. For context, the first-year figure trails both national and state averages, but the four-year trajectory suggests graduates who stick with the field find their footing—and their earning potential. This upward trajectory is notable in a field often criticized for stagnant wages.

The real value here may be accessibility: with a 93% admission rate and 44% of students receiving Pell grants, William Paterson serves students who might not access higher-ranked programs. If your child lands here, the four-year earnings data suggests patience pays off—but they'll need realistic expectations about that initial post-graduation salary and a clear career path to capture that growth trajectory. The debt is reasonable enough that struggling through those early years won't compound into a financial crisis.