Communication and Media Studies at Judson University

A bachelor's in communication from Judson lands students in the middle of Illinois's media studies landscape, with peer programs in the state suggesting first-year earnings around $36,000—right at the state median but trailing more established competitors by $5,000 to $16,000. The estimated $24,000 in debt keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.67, which is manageable but not exceptional for a field where national earnings hover in the mid-$30,000s regardless of school prestige.

The challenge here is that communication degrees rely heavily on internship networks, alumni connections, and proximity to media markets. Judson serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (40%) in suburban Chicago, but its graduates are competing with Northwestern's powerhouse alumni network and several liberal arts colleges that report stronger early outcomes. Similar programs across Illinois show wide variation in results, suggesting that individual hustle and internship quality matter as much as the degree itself.

For families taking on $24,000 in loans, this program requires a clear career plan from day one. The estimated earnings won't deliver quick loan payoff, and the communication field rewards those who build portfolios and connections during college, not just after. If your student is self-driven and can leverage Chicago's media market through internships, the investment could work—but banking on the degree alone to open doors would be naive given what comparable programs typically produce.