Communication and Media Studies at Lake Forest College

Lake Forest College's Communication and Media Studies graduates earn significantly more than most peers nationally—ranking in the 90th percentile—while carrying less debt than average. Starting at $42,835 and climbing to $55,601 by year four, these outcomes beat the national median by roughly $8,000 at graduation and represent strong 30% earnings growth. The $27,000 debt load is manageable, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.63.

The Illinois picture reveals nuance worth considering. While these graduates still out-earn the state median ($35,991), they're at the 60th percentile among Illinois programs—middle of the pack. Northwestern's $52,210 median tops the state, but Lake Forest edges out larger schools like Augustana and Wheaton while delivering better debt outcomes than most. For families weighing Lake Forest's private school price tag, this suggests the program delivers on its promise nationally even if it doesn't dominate in-state.

The trajectory here matters: graduates who stick with communications see meaningful salary increases over four years, and they're doing it with modest debt loads. For an anxious parent, this looks like a reasonable investment—your child would graduate with strong earning potential relative to communications majors nationally and debt that won't be overwhelming. Just understand you're paying for national-caliber outcomes, not necessarily the top in Illinois.