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Publishing

Only 30 colleges in the country offer Publishing, which means graduates enter the workforce from a smaller, more specialized pool. Median earnings four years out: $36,148.

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About Publishing

Publishing is a focused area of study within Communication. Graduates typically earn around $36,148 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 30 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 371 students complete this program each year, most earning a master's. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $17,585
Median Earnings · 4yr: $36,148
Colleges Offering: 30
Graduates / Year: 371
Avg Net Price / yr: $23,072

How Much Do Publishing Graduates Earn?

Publishing graduates earn $36,148 four years out, significantly below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $18,399 and $48,069. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $17,585 climbs to $36,148 by year four.

$17,585

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$36,148

4-Year National Median

Significantly below average. Graduate credentials or high-demand roles can raise this considerably.

Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Publishing graduates. Career path divergence explains most of the range. Law, consulting, and tech-adjacent roles pull the top end up; writing, education, and nonprofit roles tend to sit near the bottom.

$18,399 25th pct.

$36,148 Median

$48,069 75th pct.

Is the Cost Worth It?

At median 4-year earnings of $36,148 and an estimated $92,288 four-year net cost, earnings breakeven against a baseline wage takes approximately 15.0 years. Compare specific programs before committing to a high-cost option.

Based on outcomes from 11 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 371 students who complete Publishing programs each year, the majority (65%) earn a master's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

32% 65%

Master's 65%

Bachelor's 32%

Post-Bacc Cert. 3%

What Can You Do With a Publishing Degree?

Publishing connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Editor leads at $77,920/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +0.6% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Editor

$77,920

$57K $106K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 9,800 openings/yr 92K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Writing Active Listening Critical Thinking Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.

Top Colleges for Publishing

The 17 colleges below are ranked by how many Publishing students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Brigham Young University Provo, UT · Nonprofit	55	67.8%	$15,564	$75,790
2	New York University New York, NY · Nonprofit	53	9.2%	$37,050	$82,509
3	Pace University New York, NY · Nonprofit	48	75.9%	$30,892	$70,378
4	George Washington University Washington, DC · Nonprofit	35	47.1%	$36,586	$90,873
5	Emerson College Boston, MA · Nonprofit	33	51.3%	$49,180	$62,832
6	Portland State University Portland, OR · Public	27	90.9%	$9,552	$57,906
7	Susquehanna University Selinsgrove, PA · Nonprofit	26	81.4%	$28,819	$61,723
8	Belmont University Nashville, TN · Nonprofit	17	95.3%	$33,147	$55,930
9	Rosemont College Rosemont, PA · Nonprofit	9	76.3%	$20,150	$48,555
10	Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, TX · Public	8	94%	$14,260	$49,634
11	Texas A&M University-Victoria Victoria, TX · Public	4	95.9%	$8,109	$54,467
12	McDaniel College Westminster, MD · Nonprofit	3	77.9%	$21,916	$60,663
13	George Mason University Fairfax, VA · Public	2	87.5%	$17,915	$76,343
14	Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, MO · Public	2	90.5%	$17,613	$49,827
15	North Dakota State University-Main Campus Fargo, ND · Public	2	95%	$15,543	$62,203
16	Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston, ID · Public	2	87.7%	$15,635	$46,001
17	Cornerstone University Grand Rapids, MI · Nonprofit	1	77.8%	$20,301	$47,314

View all colleges

Ranked by Publishing graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Publishing program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Publishing degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Publishing Degree: Pros & Cons

Publishing carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 1 strengths and 4 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.

PROS

Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $17,585 at graduation to $36,148 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.

CONS

Below-average earnings Four-year median of $36,148 falls below the national median for bachelor's degree holders.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Slow job growth Top related careers project less than 3% growth over the next decade; limited expansion means more competition for new openings.
Long earnings breakeven At median salary and average net price, recovering education costs versus a baseline wage takes roughly 15.0 years.

Publishing Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Publishing graduates earn?

Publishing graduates earn a national median of $36,148 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $18,399 and $48,069. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Publishing degree?

One year after graduation, Publishing degree holders earn a median of $17,585. That climbs to $36,148 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Publishing degree?

Publishing degree holders pursue careers including Editor, which pays a median of $77,920/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Publishing program take?

While a bachelor's in this area takes four years, many Publishing students continue to a master's degree, adding one to two years. Some schools offer accelerated 5-year combined programs.

How many colleges offer Publishing?

30 colleges and universities in the United States offer Publishing programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Publishing degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $36,148 and an average net price of roughly $23,072/yr, a Publishing degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Publishing and Communication?

Publishing is a focused concentration within the broader Communication field. The Communication major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Publishing-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Publishing graduates?

Employers hiring Publishing graduates consistently prioritize writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles.