Communication and Media Studies at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
A 50% admission rate makes University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving a student body of 20,189 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $42,321 put University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus's Communication and Media Studies program 49% above the national median of $28,401 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 29.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.
The 34% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 55% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Communication and Media Studies graduates.
Median debt of $24,188 represents roughly 7 months of the $42,321 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.
At #2 of 16 nationally, this is a top-5% Communication and Media Studies program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $42,321 to $61,884 over five years — a 46% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Communication and Media Studies has a registered apprenticeship option through Public Affairs (Military Only) with a median wage of $69,780/yr — worth exploring for students who prefer structured on-the-job training.
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 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.