Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $34,302 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.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.
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 9% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $24,847 represents roughly 9 months of the $34,302 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #224 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Salem State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $53,766 show a 57% jump from the $34,302 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.