Communication and Media Studies at Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indiana University-Indianapolis's Communication and Media Studies program outperforms most competitors while keeping debt manageable—a combination worth noting in a field known for modest starting salaries. Graduates earn $39,775 in their first year, placing this program above 76% of similar programs nationally and in the 60th percentile among Indiana schools. More importantly, they're carrying just $20,500 in debt, roughly $5,000 below both state and national averages for this major.

The debt picture is what sets this apart. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52, graduates can reasonably expect to manage their loans—half a year's salary is a workable burden, especially as earnings grow to nearly $44,000 by year four. Only DePauw and Purdue's flagship campus produce higher earners in Indiana, and both likely come with steeper price tags. For students committed to media and communications, this represents one of the better financial pathways in the state.

The caveat: earnings growth of 11% over four years is steady but not spectacular. This isn't a program where salaries skyrocket mid-career. But for families watching their budget and wanting their student to graduate without overwhelming debt in a competitive field, IU-Indianapolis delivers real value—particularly compared to the dozens of Indiana programs where graduates earn less while owing more.