Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Clemson University

Clemson's communication program graduates start at $43,318—roughly $3,500 above the national median for this degree and nearly $3,000 above South Carolina's state median. That puts it in the 79th percentile nationally and 60th percentile in-state, trailing only USC-Columbia among major public universities in South Carolina. Graduates carry about $23,375 in debt, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54, meaning they'd owe roughly half their first year's salary.

The challenge here is the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates were tracked, which means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. What we do know: Clemson's selectivity (38% admission rate, 1341 average SAT) and strong alumni network appear to translate into better-than-average starting salaries for communication majors. While these roles don't typically command sky-high salaries in any state, Clemson graduates are clearing a livable wage from day one with debt that shouldn't overwhelm their budget.

For families weighing in-state options, Clemson represents a solid middle ground between USC-Columbia's slightly higher earnings and the considerably lower outcomes at smaller South Carolina schools. The modest debt load and above-average earnings suggest graduates can reasonably manage loan payments while establishing themselves in competitive fields like PR and advertising. Just remember these figures come from a limited sample, so they're more of a positive signal than a guarantee.