Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree) at Dominican University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$35,991

Est. from IL median (26 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$24,131

Est. from IL median (12 programs)

Analysis

Based on peer programs in Illinois, a Communication and Media Studies degree from Dominican appears to track right at the state median—estimated first-year earnings around $36,000 against roughly $24,000 in debt. That 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio sits comfortably in manageable territory, suggesting graduates could theoretically dedicate a reasonable portion of their income to loan payments without financial crisis. However, context matters: the top Illinois programs in this field produce earnings 15-45% higher, with Northwestern and DePaul grads starting in the $47,000-$52,000 range.

The real question is whether mid-$30,000 earnings justify the investment when nearly half of Dominican's students qualify for Pell grants. Similar Illinois programs suggest this salary level makes independent living challenging in the Chicago metro area, where rent alone could consume 40% of gross income. The debt load is moderate but not insignificant—it would take discipline and possibly parental support or roommates to manage comfortably in those first years.

Without actual graduate outcomes from Dominican specifically, you're betting on a pattern: that their program will perform like others in Illinois with similar majors and credentials. If your student is certain about media or communications and has strong ties to Chicago-area networks that could accelerate their earnings, this could work. But if they're exploring options or lack industry connections, the estimated numbers suggest this path offers limited financial cushion early on.

Where Dominican University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (45 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Dominican UniversityRiver Forest	$37,844	$35,991*	—	$24,131*	—
Northwestern UniversityEvanston	$65,997	$52,210*	$77,066	$18,112*	0.35
DeVry University-IllinoisLisle	$17,488	$47,622*	$47,238	$56,858*	1.19
Lake Forest CollegeLake Forest	$54,202	$42,835*	$55,601	$27,000*	0.63
Elmhurst UniversityElmhurst	$41,628	$41,423*	—	—*	—
Augustana CollegeRock Island	$49,834	$40,806*	$52,732	$26,375*	0.65
National Median	—	$34,959*	—	$25,000*	0.72

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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 Dominican University, approximately 49% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 26 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.