Communication & Media
Quick Facts: Communication & Media Training
Where it's offered
Communication & Media programs are offered at 16 schools across 6 states. Most students attend a school within driving distance of home — use the state picker below to see programs near you.
Earnings expectations
Graduates earn approximately $28,401/year on average one year after completion, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. Pay scales with experience, certifications, and regional cost-of-living.
Apprenticeship pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 1 registered apprenticeship pathway related to Communication & Media — earn-while-you-learn alternatives to traditional schooling. See apprenticeship.gov for the federal registry.
Program quality benchmark
Across the 16 schools we analyze, the average TradeSchoolOutlook Score is 33/100. Higher-scoring programs combine strong graduate earnings, manageable cost, and strong job-market demand — see the leaderboard further down for the highest-rated options.
What Communication & Media Graduates Do
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.
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Typically, you’ll begin as a coordinator or junior specialist, learning the tools and building a portfolio. Within a few years, you can advance to a senior specialist, handling major clients or leading content strategy. The goal for many is a management role, where top earners in public relations or fundraising can more than double their starting salary. Demand is especially strong in these areas, with steady growth and thousands of openings each year.
It's true that AI tools are changing this field; software can now generate first drafts of articles or social media posts. However, your hands-on value lies in the strategy, creativity, and human connection that technology can’t replicate. You’ll be the one building rapport with a key reporter, navigating a client crisis, or understanding the subtle nuances of a major donor's motivation.
Students considering Communication & Media also weigh Public Relations & Advertising, Broadcasting & Digital Media, and Communication & Journalism (Other) — see each trade's earnings and school count side by side.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 1 registered apprenticeship occupation related to Communication & Media. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Public Affairs (Military Only)
RAPIDS 1076CB |
Competency | Competency | $52K – $69,780 – $96K | 4.8% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Find Communication & Media Programs in Your State
Trade and community college programs are local decisions — most students pick a school within driving distance. Communication & Media is offered at 16 schools across 6 states. Pick your state to see a local comparison (states with fewer programs link to the state hub).
Top Communication & Media Programs Nationally
For context, here are the highest-scoring Communication & Media programs in the country. Most students attend a school within 60 miles of home, so your state list above is usually more actionable — but these are the benchmarks others compete against.
16 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and career analysis.
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sinclair Community College Dayton, OH |
52 46–55 |
| 2 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA |
50 43–54 |
| 3 | University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College Blue Ash, OH |
48 44–51 |
| 4 | Northampton County Area Community College Bethlehem, PA |
46 39–49 |
| 5 | Rochester Community and Technical College Rochester, MN |
46 42–48 |
| 6 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, OH |
45 39–47 |
| 7 | Nassau Community College Garden City, NY |
43 36–46 |
| 8 | Monroe Community College Rochester, NY |
43 34–46 |
| 9 | Onondaga Community College Syracuse, NY |
42 37–45 |
| 10 | CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College New York, NY |
41 35–45 |
| 11 | Community College of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA |
41 34–45 |
| 12 | CUNY LaGuardia Community College Long Island City, NY |
39 31–43 |
| 13 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FL |
38 31–41 |
| 14 | UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ Cranford, NJ |
37 29–41 |
| 15 | Dutchess Community College Poughkeepsie, NY |
34 26–38 |
| 16 | County College of Morris Randolph, NJ |
32 24–35 |
Highest Earning Communication & Media Programs
Schools where Communication & Media graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $42,321/yr | 50 |
| University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College | $38,767/yr | 48 |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $38,767/yr | 45 |
| Sinclair Community College | $32,284/yr | 52 |
| Northampton County Area Community College | $30,471/yr | 46 |
| Onondaga Community College | $29,915/yr | 42 |
| Nassau Community College | $29,016/yr | 43 |
| Full Sail University | $28,447/yr | 38 |
| Rochester Community and Technical College | $27,798/yr | 46 |
| Monroe Community College | $27,123/yr | 43 |
Best ROI for Communication & Media
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Communication & Media.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinclair Community College | 55.6x | $32,284/yr | 52 |
| Rochester Community and Technical College | 42.7x | $27,798/yr | 46 |
| County College of Morris | 41.4x | $15,905/yr | 32 |
| Community College of Philadelphia | 38.0x | $24,794/yr | 41 |
| Northampton County Area Community College | 37.8x | $30,471/yr | 46 |
| Monroe Community College | 36.3x | $27,123/yr | 43 |
| CUNY LaGuardia Community College | 34.0x | $23,307/yr | 39 |
| CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College | 33.4x | $26,437/yr | 41 |
| Dutchess Community College | 32.9x | $17,585/yr | 34 |
| UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ | 32.1x | $21,484/yr | 37 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Communication & Media degree programs stack up on earnings and ROI.