Communication and Media Studies at Idaho State University

Idaho State's communication graduates start behind—earning about $2,000 less than typical Idaho grads in this field—but the trajectory shifts dramatically. Four years out, these graduates hit $43,122, surpassing both state and national medians by roughly $7,000. That 29% earnings growth suggests the program may be building skills that take time to monetize in the job market, possibly through connections in regional media markets or advancement into management roles.

The debt picture works in students' favor here. At $29,000, graduates carry about $6,000 more than the typical Idaho communications grad but substantially less than the national average. With first-year earnings covering most of the debt, the financial risk remains manageable. By year four, when earnings jump significantly, that debt burden shrinks to about two-thirds of annual income—a comfortable position for loan repayment.

The catch is patience. If your child needs immediate post-graduation income—say, to support themselves in an expensive city—this program's slow start could be challenging. But for students who can weather lower initial earnings, possibly by staying in Idaho's lower cost-of-living markets, the four-year numbers tell a different story. The program ranks below average initially but delivers above-average outcomes for those who stick with the field, making it a reasonable investment for students committed to building a communications career rather than chasing immediate salary.