Communication and Media Studies at Lawrence Technological University

Michigan's communication programs show a dramatic earnings spread, with top programs hitting $50,000 while the typical graduate starts around $36,000. Based on similar programs across the state, Lawrence Tech's communication degree appears to track right at this middle tier—solid for the field, but nowhere near the elite outcomes of Michigan's flagship programs.

The estimated $25,646 in debt aligns closely with both state and national norms for communication degrees, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71. That's manageable—peer programs suggest graduates could realistically pay this down within a few years if they live modestly and stay employed. However, it's worth noting that even the strongest communication programs in Michigan (outside of U-M) rarely push first-year earnings above $40,000, which means this isn't a field where credentials alone drive dramatic salary differences.

The real question is career trajectory. Communication degrees typically require graduates to leverage internships, portfolio work, and networking to access better-paying roles over time. At a technical university known primarily for engineering and architecture, your child would need to actively build those connections outside their immediate campus environment. If they're self-directed about career development, the debt load shouldn't be prohibitive. If they're expecting the degree itself to open doors, they might find themselves competing at a disadvantage against graduates from programs with stronger media industry ties.