Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Butler University

Butler's communications program delivers middle-of-the-pack results both nationally and within Indiana, where it ranks in the 60th percentile—modestly above the state median but trailing Indiana Wesleyan by nearly $8,500. Starting at just under $40,000, graduates see solid 18% earnings growth over their first four years, reaching $46,663. The debt load of $26,176 is reasonable for a private university, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66.

The real question is value relative to cost. At an 86% admission rate, Butler offers accessible entry into communications without the financial burden typical of many private schools. Those first-year earnings match the national average almost exactly, while the state percentile ranking suggests this program performs slightly better than most Indiana alternatives. However, you're paying private tuition for outcomes that Ball State delivers at public school prices—Ball State grads start only $1,700 below Butler's figures.

If your student has already chosen Butler for campus culture or other programs, adding this communications major won't derail their financial future. The debt is manageable and earnings growth is encouraging. But if you're shopping specifically for communications programs in Indiana, the premium over in-state public options is difficult to justify based on earnings alone.