Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Lipscomb University

A bachelor's in communications from a private university like Lipscomb typically means higher debt than public alternatives, and the estimated figures here bear that out. Based on comparable programs at similar institutions nationwide, graduates likely carry about $25,832 in debt—reasonable in absolute terms, but headed toward earnings that peer programs in Tennessee suggest will start around $39,819. That puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.65, which is manageable but leaves little room for error if those first-year earnings come in lower than expected.

The challenge is that Tennessee has stronger options for this field. University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates in communications earn about $42,000 their first year—roughly $2,200 more annually—while Memphis produces similar outcomes to what Lipscomb's peers suggest, likely at significantly lower in-state tuition. Unless Lipscomb offers compelling networking advantages in Nashville's media market or career support that translates to better placements than these estimates suggest, the premium you'd pay for a private education here doesn't appear justified by the career outcomes.

The bottom line: these estimated figures suggest you'd be paying private school prices for middle-of-the-pack communications outcomes. Before committing, find out what Lipscomb's actual graduates from this program are earning and where they're landing jobs—if the school can't or won't share that data, consider whether you want to make a $100,000+ investment based on hope rather than evidence.