Communication and Media Studies at Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State's Communication and Media Studies program produces earnings nearly $10,000 below the North Carolina median and ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of similar programs deliver better first-year outcomes. That $24,899 starting salary is roughly 40% lower than what graduates earn from UNC-Chapel Hill or NC State, and falls well below what most entry-level positions require for financial independence. The moderate debt load of $27,096, while not catastrophic, represents more than a full year's income, creating immediate financial strain.

The 13% earnings growth to $28,054 by year four offers limited reassurance. Even with that improvement, graduates remain significantly behind their peers from other North Carolina programs. The institution serves a predominantly low-income student population (61% Pell-eligible), which makes these constrained outcomes particularly concerning—students who most need strong financial returns are getting among the weakest in the state for this major.

If your child is drawn to media and communications, this data suggests exploring other North Carolina options or considering whether this particular program at Winston-Salem State positions them competitively in the job market. The gap between what this program delivers and what's available elsewhere in the state is too substantial to ignore when making a financial commitment.