Analysis
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.
Where Emporia State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Emporia State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emporia State University | $37,095 | $38,330 | +3% |
| University of Kansas | $40,772 | $52,304 | +28% |
| Kansas State University | $30,385 | $45,562 | +50% |
| Washburn University | $39,932 | $41,062 | +3% |
| Wichita State University | $35,035 | $40,440 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (22 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Emporia State UniversityEmporia | $7,356 | $37,095 | $38,330 | $26,000 | 0.70 |
 University of KansasLawrence | $11,700 | $40,772 | $52,304 | $22,250 | 0.55 |
 Washburn UniversityTopeka | $9,578 | $39,932 | $41,062 | $21,875 | 0.55 |
 Wichita State UniversityWichita | $9,322 | $35,035 | $40,440 | $25,159 | 0.72 |
 Ottawa University-OttawaOttawa | $35,300 | $33,465 | — | $27,000 | 0.81 |
| Ottawa University-OnlineOverland Park | — | $33,465 | — | $27,000 | 0.81 |
| National Median | — | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
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 Emporia State University, approximately 34% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.