Washington · Communication and Media Studies

Best Communication and Media Studies institutions in Washington, ranked by earnings

The Communication and Media Studies program focuses on the processes of human communication and behavior, exploring how individuals and groups exchange ideas and information across various media. This program is designed for students…

Institutions
16
offering CIP 09.01
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
852
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$38,747
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
13
College Scorecard
Median net price
$24,653
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
65%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Public Relations Specialists
$94,470
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 10 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of Washington - Seattle Campus
Seattle Public · Bachelor's degree
$44,63831785%$16,433
2University of Washington - Bothell Campus
Bothell Public · Bachelor's degree
$44,6387565%$16,433
3University of Washington - Tacoma Campus
Tacoma Public · Bachelor's degree
$44,6385063%$16,433
4Seattle University
Seattle Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$39,3161476%$31,900$19,500
5Whitworth University
Spokane Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$39,3051371%$23,510$21,500
6Washington State University
Pullman Public · Bachelor's degree
$38,7475460%
7Gonzaga University
Spokane Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$37,7993186%$30,006$23,375
8Eastern Washington University
Cheney Public · Bachelor's degree
$37,7828243%$25,000
9Central Washington University
Ellensburg Public · Bachelor's degree
$35,8202154%$18,572
10Western Washington University
Bellingham Public · Bachelor's degree
$34,85710065%$17,875

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Public Relations Specialists (SOC 27-3031).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+4.8%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~27,600
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$69,780
typically Bachelor's degree

Top skills

Active ListeningSpeakingWritingReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive Learning

What Public Relations Specialists earn in Washington

Jobs in Washington
6,650
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$94,470
median $85,500
Best-paying metro
$100,650
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Related careers

Public Relations Specialists
$94,470 avg · 6,650 jobs
Fundraisers
$77,030 avg · 3,410 jobs
Editors
$91,180 avg · 2,800 jobs
Public Relations Managers
$172,600 avg · 1,780 jobs
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
$72,580 avg · 1,040 jobs
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
$55,970 avg · 950 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Communication and Media Studies programs in Washington.

Which Communication and Media Studies program in Washington has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), University of Washington - Seattle Campus tops the list at $44,638. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Public Relations Specialists earn in Washington?+

The average annual wage for Public Relations Specialists in Washington is $94,470 (median $85,500), across about 6,650 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Communication and Media Studies program?+

The Communication and Media Studies program focuses on the processes of human communication and behavior, exploring how individuals and groups exchange ideas and information across various media. This program is designed for students…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop active listening, speaking, writing, reading comprehension, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Public Relations Specialists?+

The national job outlook is about +4.8% growth with around 27,600 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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