Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $35,356 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The financial case is thin at 2.8x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.
Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 14% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $19,500 represents roughly 7 months of the $35,356 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #356 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Saint Mary's College of California falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $69,855 show a 98% jump from the $35,356 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.