Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Grace College and Theological Seminary
Bachelor's Degree
grace.eduAnalysis
Indiana communications programs show substantial variation in starting salaries, from the low $30,000s to nearly $50,000, and Grace's program appears to land in the middle of this range. Based on comparable programs in Indiana, graduates here are estimated to earn around $38,900 in their first year—matching the state median and tracking closely with national benchmarks. The estimated $27,000 debt load, while modest by contemporary standards, still requires careful consideration given the field's typical entry-level salaries.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 suggests manageable repayment for most graduates, roughly equivalent to what similar Indiana programs produce. However, the wide gulf between programs in the state—with Indiana Wesleyan graduates earning nearly $10,000 more annually—highlights how much outcomes can vary within the same field. For a communications career where networks, internship access, and institutional reputation matter significantly, understanding what differentiates Grace's program from higher-earning competitors becomes crucial.
Because these figures are estimates drawn from peer programs rather than Grace's actual graduate outcomes, they offer directional guidance but not certainty. If your student is seriously considering this program, direct conversations with Grace about job placement rates, employer connections, and where recent graduates actually landed would help clarify whether this investment makes sense for your family's situation.
Where Grace College and Theological Seminary Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public relations, advertising, and applied communication bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,034 | $38,861* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $31,168 | $48,225* | — | $32,082* | 0.67 | |
| $8,216 | $48,225* | — | —* | — | |
| $45,980 | $39,701* | $46,663 | $26,176* | 0.66 | |
| $10,758 | $38,020* | $51,378 | $23,879* | 0.63 | |
| $37,350 | $36,964* | — | $27,000* | 0.73 | |
| National Median | — | $39,794* | — | $24,625* | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with public relations, advertising, and applied communication graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Human Resources Managers
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Training and Development Managers
Technical Writers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
Training and Development Specialists
Health Education Specialists
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 Grace College and Theological Seminary, approximately 29% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.