Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (27 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Alverno College$44,727
Edgewood College$42,950$45,470$23,2500.54
University of Wisconsin-Superior$41,371$41,681$28,5000.69
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh$40,673$47,265$26,5340.65
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire$40,333$49,483$22,7300.56
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse$40,293$50,597$24,4550.61
National Median$34,959$25,0000.72

Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in Wisconsin

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Edgewood College
Madison
$34,850$42,950$23,250
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Superior
$8,487$41,371$28,500
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Oshkosh
$8,212$40,673$26,534
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire
$9,277$40,333$22,730
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse
$9,651$40,293$24,455

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Alverno College, approximately 49% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.