Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Marian University

Is a communications degree worth roughly $26,000 in debt when peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $40,000? That 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in reasonable territory, though it's worth noting that comparable programs elsewhere in Wisconsin typically produce stronger outcomes—the state median hovers near $43,000, and UW-Oshkosh graduates start above $46,000. The gap isn't enormous, but it adds up to several thousand dollars annually that could accelerate debt payoff or provide breathing room in those crucial early career years.

The challenge with communications degrees generally is that entry-level positions often pay modestly while building toward better opportunities down the line. Based on national patterns, that estimated $40,000 starting salary translates to about $3,300 monthly before taxes—manageable with $26,000 in loans, but tight if your child plans to live independently in a major market. Wisconsin's communications landscape offers opportunities in Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, though the most lucrative positions tend to concentrate in larger metro areas.

Given the uncertainty around these estimates and the stronger performance of other Wisconsin programs, tour Marian's career services office and ask pointed questions: Where do their communications graduates actually land jobs? What's their network like for internships? The estimated numbers suggest this program won't bury your child in debt, but they also don't show it outperforming its peers.