Communication and Media Studies at UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ
with a mid-sized student body of 7,760 in Cranford, NJ.
Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $21,484/yr fall 24% below the $28,401 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
The 32.6x 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 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.
The $10,750 debt-to-$21,484 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #14 out of 16 programs, UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $21,484 to $34,975 over five years (63% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful 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
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