Communication and Media Studies at Community College of Philadelphia
with a mid-sized student body of 11,312 in Philadelphia, PA.
Program Analysis
At $24,794/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Community College of Philadelphia land near the $28,401 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
The 39.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI exposure is significant at 55% of job tasks, producing a 34% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.
The median debt load of $10,125 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
At #11 out of 16 programs, Community College of Philadelphia's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $24,794 to $36,157 shows 46% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.
One registered apprenticeship pathway (Public Affairs (Military Only) with a median wage of $69,780/yr) connects to Communication and Media Studies careers, offering a paid training alternative to the classroom model.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Communication and Media Studies graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public relations managers | $138,520 | +5.0% | 45% |
| Fundraising managers | $123,480 | +4.2% | 44% |
| Communications teachers, postsecondary | $77,800 | +2.1% | 57% |
About Communication and Media Studies Careers
Your career could start in a fast-paced public relations agency, where you’ll spend your days drafting press releases, pitching stories to journalists using media databases, and managing a company's social media presence. Another common path is in fundraising for non-profits, writing compelling grant proposals and using donor management software to build relationships and plan events.
Read the full Communication and Media Studies career guide →
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies Overview
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at Community College of Philadelphia
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.