Communication and Media Studies at Elmhurst University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Elmhurst University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Elmhurst University graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 84th percentile of all communication and media studies bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (45 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmhurst University | $41,423 | — | — | — |
| Northwestern University | $52,210 | $77,066 | $18,112 | 0.35 |
| DeVry University-Illinois | $47,622 | $47,238 | $56,858 | 1.19 |
| Lake Forest College | $42,835 | $55,601 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| Augustana College | $40,806 | $52,732 | $26,375 | 0.65 |
| Wheaton College | $39,321 | $45,185 | $23,250 | 0.59 |
| National Median | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University Evanston | $65,997 | $52,210 | $18,112 |
| DeVry University-Illinois Lisle | $17,488 | $47,622 | $56,858 |
| Lake Forest College Lake Forest | $54,202 | $42,835 | $27,000 |
| Augustana College Rock Island | $49,834 | $40,806 | $26,375 |
| Wheaton College Wheaton | $43,930 | $39,321 | $23,250 |
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 Elmhurst University, approximately 37% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 15 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.