Communication and Media Studies at Edgewood College

Edgewood College's communication program punches well above the national average, with first-year earnings of $42,950 exceeding the typical graduate by nearly $8,000—placing it in the 91st percentile nationally. That's impressive for a field often criticized for weak earnings. The debt load of $23,250 sits comfortably below both national and Wisconsin medians, creating a manageable 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio that graduates should be able to handle within a few years.

The Wisconsin story is more nuanced. While Edgewood trails the top-ranked UW campuses (Superior, Oshkosh, Eau Claire), it still performs solidly at the 60th percentile statewide and costs less to attend based on debt figures. For students prioritizing Madison's opportunities—a state capital with robust media, nonprofit, and government sectors—that location advantage could tip the scales. The modest 6% earnings growth to year four suggests graduates establish stable careers quickly rather than climbing dramatically.

The major caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than usual. Still, for families concerned about communication degrees leading nowhere, Edgewood's results suggest their program successfully connects students to decent-paying jobs. At this debt level and with these starting salaries, it's a reasonable bet if your student is committed to the field.