Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan's communications program shows graduates outpacing both state and national earnings benchmarks, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means your child's experience could vary significantly. With first-year earnings of $41,420 and four-year earnings climbing to $53,615, graduates here are earning more than the typical Michigan communications grad ($40,299) and landing in the 60th percentile statewide. That 29% earnings growth over four years suggests the degree opens doors to advancement, which matters in a field where entry-level positions often pay modestly.

The debt picture is manageable—$24,755 is essentially average for this field, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60. That means graduates owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary, which is reasonable territory for a communications degree. While Eastern Michigan doesn't quite reach Michigan State's $45,158 median, it's competitive with larger in-state alternatives like Wayne State and Central Michigan while likely offering lower tuition as a regional university.

The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in the sample, these numbers could swing considerably year to year. If your student is considering this program, it's worth verifying current class sizes and talking to recent alumni. For families seeking an affordable in-state option that prepares students for communications careers without excessive debt, the fundamentals look solid—just recognize you're making decisions with limited data points.