Analysis
Lindsey Wilson's communications program shows concerning outcomes even accounting for the small sample size. Graduates earn just $25,549 in their first year—roughly $9,000 below Kentucky's median for communications programs and in the bottom 5% nationally. While the program carries slightly above-average debt ($26,769), the real issue is that earnings barely exceed that debt burden. Among the 22 Kentucky schools offering this degree, Eastern Kentucky and UK graduates earn 50-60% more right out of the gate.
The 13% earnings growth to year four is positive, but it only brings graduates to $28,935—still $6,000 below what peers at other Kentucky programs earn initially. Half of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting many families have limited financial cushion to absorb outcomes like these. When a degree leaves graduates earning less than many positions that don't require college credentials, the value proposition breaks down regardless of career passion.
If your student is set on communications, the in-state alternatives offer substantially better returns without requiring you to leave Kentucky. The small sample means these numbers could shift with new cohorts, but the gap is too wide to dismiss as statistical noise.
Where Lindsey Wilson College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Lindsey Wilson College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lindsey Wilson College | $25,549 | $28,935 | +13% |
| University of Kentucky | $39,311 | $46,390 | +18% |
| University of Louisville | $38,219 | $45,739 | +20% |
| Northern Kentucky University | $38,637 | $44,868 | +16% |
| Bellarmine University | $34,858 | $44,335 | +27% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lindsey Wilson CollegeColumbia | $27,274 | $25,549 | $28,935 | $26,769 | 1.05 |
 Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond | $10,130 | $40,429 | $43,102 | $25,000 | 0.62 |
 University of KentuckyLexington | $13,212 | $39,311 | $46,390 | $23,875 | 0.61 |
 Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights | $10,896 | $38,637 | $44,868 | $25,000 | 0.65 |
 University of LouisvilleLouisville | $12,828 | $38,219 | $45,739 | $23,375 | 0.61 |
 Georgetown CollegeGeorgetown | $42,010 | $35,442 | $41,922 | $26,750 | 0.75 |
| National Median | — | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
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 Lindsey Wilson College, approximately 50% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.