Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Coe College

The estimated $25,832 debt load for this communications program—based on what similar bachelor's programs at Coe typically produce—lands right at the national median, which tells a straightforward story about affordability. With first-year earnings of $40,167, the debt-to-income ratio of 0.64 suggests a manageable repayment scenario, though you're looking at monthly payments that will take a noticeable bite from an entry-level communications salary. What's more concerning is where these earnings sit within Iowa: the 40th percentile among state programs means graduates are earning less than most comparable communications programs in-state, despite competitive national performance at the 54th percentile.

The 42% earnings jump from year one to year four ($57,149) represents solid mid-career momentum, but Iowa offers stronger starting positions elsewhere—Drake leads at $44,492, and even University of Northern Iowa clocks in at $43,755. That $3,000-4,000 gap may not sound dramatic, but in communications fields where early networking and city access matter, starting lower can compound over time.

For parents weighing this investment, the key question is whether Coe's smaller environment justifies trailing behind Iowa's larger programs on earnings. The debt picture appears sustainable, but you're paying similar amounts for below-median state outcomes. If your student has specific reasons to choose Coe—particular faculty connections, campus fit, or career support—the numbers work. Otherwise, programs at Iowa State or Northern Iowa deliver comparable debt with demonstrably higher starting salaries.