Analysis
DePauw's Communication and Media Studies program delivers significantly stronger outcomes than most alternatives in Indiana and nationwide. Starting at $43,141, graduates earn 26% more than the typical Indiana comm grad and outperform 92% of similar programs nationally. That's competitive with larger state schools like Purdue ($41,409) and IU Indianapolis ($39,775), despite DePauw's much smaller size and liberal arts focus.
The debt load of $27,000 sits below the national average for this major, resulting in a manageable 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio. More importantly, earnings grow robustly—up 31% to $56,425 by year four—suggesting graduates are building marketable skills that translate into career advancement. For a field often criticized for weak job prospects, these numbers tell a different story.
The caveat: Only 16% of DePauw students receive Pell grants, indicating this outcome data may skew toward students from higher-income backgrounds who already have networking advantages. Still, if your child can afford DePauw without excessive borrowing, the program appears to deliver measurably better results than most Indiana comm programs, which typically produce starting salaries in the mid-$30,000s.
Where DePauw University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How DePauw University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| DePauw University | $43,141 | $56,425 | +31% |
| Saint Mary's College | $32,322 | $57,637 | +78% |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $36,700 | $54,539 | +49% |
| Valparaiso University | $35,164 | $52,086 | +48% |
| Indiana University-Kokomo | $31,085 | $50,669 | +63% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (39 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 DePauw UniversityGreencastle | $57,070 | $43,141 | $56,425 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
 Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette | $9,992 | $41,409 | $45,861 | $18,500 | 0.45 |
 Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis | $10,449 | $39,775 | $43,963 | $20,500 | 0.52 |
 Purdue University Fort WayneFort Wayne | $9,254 | $39,712 | $41,909 | $25,289 | 0.64 |
 Indiana University-South BendSouth Bend | $8,179 | $38,094 | $39,176 | $26,000 | 0.68 |
 Indiana University-EastRichmond | $8,179 | $37,463 | — | $24,462 | 0.65 |
| National Median | — | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At DePauw University, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 67 graduates with reported earnings and 73 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.