Communication and Media Studies at Emporia State University

Emporia State's communication program places just above the middle of the pack in Kansas, outpacing the $33,465 state median by about $3,600 while sitting roughly $10,000 below flagship programs like KU and Washburn. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 and below-median borrowing at $26,000, graduates carry manageable debt loads—though the modest $38,330 salary four years out means budgeting will matter.

The 3% earnings growth over four years is essentially flat when you account for inflation, suggesting this field rewards experience gained outside formal employment or requires strategic career moves to see meaningful salary increases. For context, many communication careers emphasize portfolio development and networking rather than linear salary progression, which these numbers may reflect.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 recent graduates, making it less reliable than programs with larger sample sizes. One graduate taking a nonprofit position or another landing a corporate communications role can swing these averages significantly. If your child is genuinely drawn to media work and plans to stay in Kansas, this program won't burden them with crushing debt. Just understand that building a comfortable income in this field typically requires hustle beyond the degree itself.