Communication and Media Studies at Indiana State University

Indiana State's Communication and Media Studies program lands squarely in the middle of the pack nationally, but if you're staying in Indiana, it's worth noting this program outperforms 60% of similar in-state options. Your child would start at $34,213—matching the state median exactly—and climb to $38,665 by year four, showing respectable 13% earnings growth while most communication degrees plateau early.

The $25,000 in debt translates to a manageable 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning your child would owe less than three-quarters of their first year's salary. That's reasonable for a communications degree, especially compared to programs that saddle graduates with debt exceeding their annual income. However, the ceiling here matters: even after four years, earnings remain about $5,000 below what graduates earn at DePauw or Purdue's main campus right out of the gate.

For families prioritizing accessibility and affordability—particularly relevant given ISU's 92% admission rate and strong Pell grant enrollment—this represents a solid foundation rather than a standout investment. Your child won't graduate with crushing debt, and earnings trajectory points upward rather than stagnant. Just understand they're trading lower debt for more modest earnings potential compared to Indiana's flagship programs.