Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Concordia University-Saint Paul

Communications graduates from comparable bachelor's programs typically earn around $39,800 in their first year—a figure that puts this field at a concerning disadvantage. With estimated debt of $25,800, the 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio means nearly two-thirds of that first year's salary would go toward paying off student loans if dedicated entirely to that purpose. Other Minnesota programs suggest slightly better outcomes ($40,238 median earnings, $22,312 median debt), though the differences are modest. The fundamental challenge here is that entry-level communications salaries—whether at this school or its peer institutions—struggle to justify the cost of a four-year degree at most private institutions.

The lack of actual outcome data for Concordia's specific program adds another layer of uncertainty. When a school has too few recent graduates in a program to report outcomes publicly, it could signal either a small, carefully managed program or one with enrollment challenges. Either way, parents should understand they're making a decision without seeing how this particular program's alumni fare in the job market. The estimated figures come from national averages across hundreds of programs, but individual schools can vary significantly—some communications programs lead to agencies and corporate roles with clear advancement paths, while others leave graduates competing for underpaid coordinator positions.

Given the estimated debt load and typical communications salaries, this investment makes sense primarily if your child has specific career connections, internship opportunities, or clear post-graduation employment prospects that offset the financial risk. Without those advantages or actual outcome data showing this program outperforms its peers, the math doesn't naturally work in your favor.