Communication and Media Studies at Maranatha Baptist University

In Wisconsin, communication and media studies programs range from about $39,000 to $43,000 in first-year earnings at schools with reported data, and Maranatha's estimated figures put it right in this typical range. Based on comparable programs in the state, graduates here might expect around $38,000 in first-year earnings with roughly $26,000 in debt—a 0.68 ratio that falls within reasonable bounds for liberal arts degrees. The estimated earnings align closely with both state and national medians for this field, suggesting outcomes that mirror what peer programs typically produce.

The debt load appears manageable relative to starting income, though communication and media studies as a field rarely leads to high early-career salaries regardless of institution. Similar programs across Wisconsin show a fairly tight earnings band, with even the top-performing schools only reaching the low $40,000s in year one. This consistency suggests that career outcomes in this field depend heavily on individual initiative, internships, and networking rather than institutional differences.

For parents, the key consideration is whether these estimated figures—derived from peer institutions since Maranatha's own graduate cohort is too small to report—reflect acceptable returns given your family's financial circumstances. The debt-to-earnings picture isn't alarming, but it's worth confirming through direct outreach to Maranatha's career services what actual graduate outcomes look like and what support exists for job placement in competitive media markets.