Communication and Media Studies at Linfield University

Linfield's communication program starts graduates about $4,000 below the national median and $2,300 below Oregon's typical communications graduate, ranking near the 40th percentile statewide. The gap is even more pronounced compared to Oregon State's programs, which produce median earnings over $9,800 higher in the first year. However, the debt load of $27,000 sits slightly above state averages, creating a tighter financial picture in those crucial early career years when rent and loan payments hit simultaneously.

The saving grace here is the 64% earnings jump by year four, reaching over $50,000—well above both state and national medians at that point. This suggests Linfield graduates may need more time to break into better-paying roles, but they do eventually find their footing. Still, with only a small sample of graduates tracked, these patterns could shift significantly year to year, making this program harder to evaluate with confidence.

For families comparing Oregon options, this sits in the middle-to-lower tier. Unless your child has specific reasons to choose Linfield—particular faculty, location preference, or a strong financial aid package that brings net cost below that $27,000 debt figure—the stronger-earning programs at Oregon State or Western Oregon warrant serious consideration for the same degree.