Communication and Media Studies at Augustana University

A $26,000 debt load for a degree that typically yields around $35,000 in first-year earnings lands squarely in middle territory—not a red flag, but not a clear win either. Based on peer Communication and Media Studies programs nationally, graduates at this earnings level would spend roughly three-quarters of their first year's salary to pay off their debt, which is manageable but leaves little cushion for a rough job market entry. The national landscape for this major shows consistent but modest earnings, with even top-performing programs rarely breaking $40,000 in year one.

What's worth noting is that other South Dakota programs in this field report slightly higher outcomes. South Dakota State's Communication grads, for instance, start around $39,000—about $4,000 more than what comparable programs suggest for Augustana. That gap might reflect differences in program focus, alumni networks, or simply the luck of small sample sizes. Either way, it suggests that within South Dakota, this particular path may not offer a competitive advantage over state university alternatives that could cost less.

The bottom line: if your child is passionate about communications and committed to Augustana specifically, these estimated numbers suggest a workable financial picture—not great, not terrible. But if the decision is purely pragmatic, the combination of estimated modest earnings and actual higher debt compared to state schools makes this a harder sell. Consider whether Augustana's smaller environment or specific program strengths justify potentially paying more for similar or slightly lower career outcomes.