Communication and Media Studies at Aurora University

Aurora University's Communication and Media Studies program shows the kind of earnings trajectory that should matter more to parents than the initially modest starting salary. While graduates earn just $30,728 in their first year—below both the state and national medians—by year four that figure jumps to $48,651, a 58% increase that outpaces most communication programs. In Illinois, this program sits at the 40th percentile, lagging behind schools like Northwestern ($52,210) and Lake Forest ($42,835), but the gap narrows considerably by the four-year mark.

The debt load of $23,262 is actually lower than both state and national medians, creating a manageable first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76. For a field not known for high starting salaries, this matters. The school serves a substantial first-generation population (43% Pell recipients) and maintains an accessible admission profile, which explains some of the initial earnings gap—many graduates likely start in entry-level positions but advance quickly.

The real question is whether your child can weather that first year or two of tight budgets. If they can—perhaps with family support or modest living expenses—the four-year outlook suggests this program delivers solid career preparation. The earnings growth pattern indicates graduates aren't stuck in dead-end roles; they're building real professional momentum.