Communication and Media Studies at Indiana University-Southeast

The communications degree from IU-Southeast starts rough—just $26,777 in the first year places graduates in the bottom 5% nationally—but the trajectory matters here. By year four, earnings jump 75% to nearly $47,000, which surpasses both the state median ($34,213) and the national benchmark ($34,959). This is a program where patience appears to pay off, likely as graduates transition from entry-level retail or service jobs into professional communications roles.

The $20,500 debt load is manageable, sitting below both state and national medians. That first-year salary makes initial payments tight, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 looks far more reasonable once the year-four earnings kick in. Within Indiana, this program ranks in the 25th percentile—behind Purdue and IU's flagship campuses—but it's serving a different student population at a regional campus with an 83% admission rate and significant Pell Grant enrollment.

The key question is whether your student can weather those lean early years. If they're living at home or have family support while building a career, the long-term earnings justify the investment. If they need to be financially independent immediately after graduation, that $26,777 starting salary could make loan repayment stressful. The data suggests this program works for students who can afford to play the long game in a field known for requiring experience to unlock better opportunities.