WhatGradsMake
Bachelor's-12% vs national median283 grads tracked

Communication and Media Studies at Western Oregon University

Ranked 193rd of 307 bachelor's programs in Communication and Media Studies by 5-year earnings.

Median · 1 year out
$36,537
middle 50%: $25,886 – $46,999
Median · 5 years out
$51,223
middle 50%: $37,821 – $72,258
Median · 10 years out
$64,798
middle 50%: $47,119 – $80,918

Salary trajectory

Median earnings vs the national median for Communication and Media Studies (bachelor's) graduates.

This program (median)National median, same major & degreeMiddle 50% of graduates

Graduates of Western Oregon University's bachelor's program in Communication and Media Studies earn a median $36,537 one year after graduating, rising to $64,798 by year ten. Five years out, earnings run 12% below the national median of $58,421 for this field, ranking 193rd of 307 reporting programs.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau PSEO, release V4.13.0 2025Q4. Earnings are for graduates working in covered states; figures are medians in nominal dollars.

Will the degree pay for itself?

Drag the sliders — payback uses this program's actual salary curve.

Assumes a 6.5% APR loan and this program's median salary trajectory (interpolated between years 1, 5 and 10).

Paid off in
8.1 yrs
≈ $9,566 total interest

Same major at other universities

University of Wisconsin - Parkside
$51,443 · 5 yrs out
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
$51,438 · 5 yrs out
Valdosta State University
$51,418 · 5 yrs out
Kent State University
$51,389 · 5 yrs out
Stephen F Austin State University
$51,365 · 5 yrs out
Northeastern Illinois University
$51,258 · 5 yrs out
University of Montana (The)
$51,071 · 5 yrs out
Northwest Missouri State University
$51,062 · 5 yrs out
Virginia Wesleyan University
$50,985 · 5 yrs out
Appalachian State University
$50,871 · 5 yrs out
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
$50,767 · 5 yrs out
Cleveland State University
$50,757 · 5 yrs out

Other majors at Western Oregon University

Fire Protection (Bachelor's)
$124,373 · 5 yrs out
Mathematics and Computer Science (Bachelor's)
$101,595 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's)
$87,883 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Bachelor's)
$84,962 · 5 yrs out
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Master's)
$74,301 · 5 yrs out
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's)
$71,338 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Master's)
$68,424 · 5 yrs out
Chemistry (Bachelor's)
$68,249 · 5 yrs out
Social Sciences (Master's)
$67,042 · 5 yrs out
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services (Master's)
$66,891 · 5 yrs out
Education (Master's)
$66,257 · 5 yrs out
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies (Master's)
$64,798 · 5 yrs out

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