Analysis
Hanover's Communication and Media Studies graduates start slow but show impressive momentum—first-year earnings of $31,621 lag both the state and national medians by about $3,000, yet by year four, earnings jump 46% to over $46,000. This trajectory suggests graduates are finding their footing in media careers, though that rocky start matters when you're carrying $27,000 in debt.
The program sits squarely in the middle of Indiana's competitive media landscape—at the 40th percentile statewide. Top-tier programs like DePauw and Purdue's main campus deliver $10,000+ more in starting salaries, which compounds over those crucial early career years. Still, Hanover keeps debt slightly below state norms, and the 0.85 debt-to-earnings ratio means the initial burden, while substantial, isn't crushing.
The real question is whether your child can weather those lean first years. If they're comfortable with an entry-level income below $32,000 while making loan payments, the growth curve offers hope. But families prioritizing immediate financial stability might look at Indiana's higher-performing programs, where graduates start closer to $40,000 and skip that challenging launch phase entirely.
Where Hanover College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Hanover College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanover College | $31,621 | $46,181 | +46% |
| Saint Mary's College | $32,322 | $57,637 | +78% |
| DePauw University | $43,141 | $56,425 | +31% |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $36,700 | $54,539 | +49% |
| Valparaiso University | $35,164 | $52,086 | +48% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (39 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Hanover CollegeHanover | $42,894 | $31,621 | $46,181 | $27,000 | 0.85 |
 DePauw UniversityGreencastle | $57,070 | $43,141 | $56,425 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
 Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette | $9,992 | $41,409 | $45,861 | $18,500 | 0.45 |
 Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis | $10,449 | $39,775 | $43,963 | $20,500 | 0.52 |
 Purdue University Fort WayneFort Wayne | $9,254 | $39,712 | $41,909 | $25,289 | 0.64 |
 Indiana University-South BendSouth Bend | $8,179 | $38,094 | $39,176 | $26,000 | 0.68 |
| 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 Hanover College, approximately 26% 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 36 graduates with reported earnings and 37 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.