Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Brigham Young University

BYU's communications program outearns 95% of similar programs nationwide—an extraordinary result for a field that typically struggles with low starting salaries. While graduates here earn $51,436 in their first year, the national median for PR and advertising programs sits at just $39,794. That's a $12,000 advantage right out of the gate. The debt burden of under $12,000 makes this one of the most favorable debt-to-earnings scenarios you'll find in communications anywhere in the country.

The Utah context adds an interesting wrinkle: at the 60th percentile statewide, this program performs solidly but not spectacularly against local competition. With only three schools offering this major in Utah, however, that ranking matters less than the fundamental economics. The 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe just three months of their starting salary—a manageable load that gives them financial flexibility early in their careers. Earnings continue climbing to $58,056 by year four, showing steady career progression rather than the plateau many communications graduates experience.

For families concerned about the notorious debt-to-earnings problems plaguing communications degrees, BYU offers a rare exception. The combination of strong institutional support, low tuition costs (reflected in that minimal debt load), and graduates who command premium salaries makes this program a standout investment in a field often criticized for poor returns.