Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (39 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Indiana University-Northwest$42,852
DePauw University$43,141$56,425$27,0000.63
Purdue University-Main Campus$41,409$45,861$18,5000.45
Indiana University-Indianapolis$39,775$43,963$20,5000.52
Purdue University Fort Wayne$39,712$41,909$25,2890.64
Indiana University-South Bend$38,094$39,176$26,0000.68
National Median$34,959$25,0000.72

Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in Indiana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
DePauw University
Greencastle
$57,070$43,141$27,000
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette
$9,992$41,409$18,500
Indiana University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis
$10,449$39,775$20,500
Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne
$9,254$39,712$25,289
Indiana University-South Bend
South Bend
$8,179$38,094$26,000

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 Indiana University-Northwest, approximately 43% 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.