Communication and Media Studies at Concordia University-Nebraska

Based on comparable programs in Nebraska, Communication and Media Studies graduates typically start around $40,445—positioning this field in the middle of the pack statewide. That figure exceeds the national median for communication majors by roughly $5,500, though it's worth noting that similar programs at Nebraska's flagship university (UNL) and regional peers report fairly consistent outcomes in the upper $30,000s to low $40,000s.

The estimated $26,000 debt load sits slightly above both the state and national medians for this major. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64, graduates would dedicate about eight months of their first year's salary to paying off loans—manageable, but not generous. The challenge isn't catastrophic debt; it's that communication degrees often lead to fields where advancement matters more than starting salary. If this program doesn't provide strong internship connections or specialized skills (broadcast production, digital strategy, corporate communications), that initial $40K could represent a ceiling rather than a floor.

What matters most here is what specific track within communication your student pursues. The field spans everything from public relations to media production, and those paths diverge sharply in earning potential. Without reported outcomes specific to Concordia's program, you're betting on whether this institution's particular curriculum and network can deliver results consistent with Nebraska's better-documented programs—all of which cluster in a relatively narrow earnings band that doesn't leave much room for premium pricing or weak placement support.