Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Duquesne University

Duquesne's communications program lands graduates right at national earning levels but performs notably better within Pennsylvania—ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's 29 programs. Starting at $39,651, graduates earn more than peers from Drexel, Susquehanna, and York College, trailing only Temple in the state. The $26,000 debt load sits exactly at Pennsylvania's median for this field, creating a manageable 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates should be able to handle.

The trajectory here matters: earnings jump 24% to $49,016 by year four, suggesting the degree opens doors beyond entry-level PR and communications roles. However, families should recognize that communications remains a relatively modest-earning field overall—even this solid outcome means starting around $40,000 annually. Pittsburgh's lower cost of living helps, but students expecting six-figure trajectories need to adjust expectations.

For Pennsylvania families seeking a communications degree, Duquesne represents a reasonable investment—middle-of-the-pack debt with better-than-average state outcomes. The earnings growth and manageable debt load suggest graduates can build sustainable careers, though the financial returns won't rival higher-paying fields. If your child is committed to communications work, this program delivers competitive preparation without excessive debt burden.