Communication and Media Studies at Madonna University

Madonna University's communication program sits right at Michigan's median for the field, with similar programs suggesting first-year earnings around $36,000 and debt near $25,600. That 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe roughly nine months of their first year's salary—manageable compared to many bachelor's programs, though hardly a quick payoff.

The challenge here is less about the numbers themselves than about trajectory. Communication degrees across Michigan show a wide earnings spread, from $37,800 at Oakland University to over $50,000 at Michigan-Ann Arbor. Madonna's open admission model and mid-range SAT scores suggest its graduates likely track closer to the state median than to top programs. With 34 schools offering this major in Michigan alone, employers have plenty of options when hiring, making internships and real-world experience during college particularly crucial for standing out.

For parents, this comes down to cost management. If your child can minimize borrowing below that $25,600 estimate—through scholarships, work-study, or living at home in the Detroit suburbs—the program becomes more defensible. But banking on substantially higher earnings than peer programs suggest would be optimistic. The degree should be part of a broader plan that includes building a portfolio and professional network before graduation day.