Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree) at Marian University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,164

Est. from WI median (16 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$26,000

Est. from WI median (5 programs)

Analysis

In Wisconsin, communication and media studies programs show a fairly narrow range of outcomes, and Marian University's estimated figures place it squarely in the middle of that pack. Based on comparable programs in the state, graduates here can expect first-year earnings around $38,000—almost exactly matching Wisconsin's median for this degree and notably above the national benchmark of $35,000. The estimated $26,000 in debt is typical for Wisconsin private schools offering this major, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 that suggests the balance will be manageable rather than crushing.

What matters most is understanding the limitation here: these estimates come from peer institutions because Marian's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to report specific outcomes. The five higher-earning Wisconsin programs with actual data all cluster between $40,000-$43,000, suggesting there may be some variation in how different schools position their graduates—though the differences aren't dramatic. For a family evaluating this investment, the estimated debt load appears reasonable for a private university, but you're making decisions without seeing how Marian's specific graduates actually fare in the job market compared to these state peers.

Where Marian University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (27 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Marian UniversityFond Du Lac	$33,000	$38,164*	—	$26,000*	—
Edgewood CollegeMadison	$34,850	$42,950*	$45,470	$23,250*	0.54
University of Wisconsin-SuperiorSuperior	$8,487	$41,371*	$41,681	$28,500*	0.69
University of Wisconsin-OshkoshOshkosh	$8,212	$40,673*	$47,265	$26,534*	0.65
University of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireEau Claire	$9,277	$40,333*	$49,483	$22,730*	0.56
University of Wisconsin-La CrosseLa Crosse	$9,651	$40,293*	$50,597	$24,455*	0.61
National Median	—	$34,959*	—	$25,000*	0.72

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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 Marian University, approximately 32% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 16 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.