Communication and Media Studies at Mayville State University

A $24,000 debt burden for a degree that typically leads to $35,000 first-year earnings puts this program squarely in the middle of what's typical for communication majors. Peer programs across North Dakota produce similar outcomes—the University of North Dakota reports nearly identical earnings—suggesting this field simply doesn't command high starting salaries regardless of where you study it. The 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would need to dedicate roughly 69% of their first year's salary to pay off loans immediately, though in practice most will stretch payments over a decade.

The challenge isn't unique to Mayville State. Nationally, three-quarters of communication programs produce first-year earnings below $40,000, making this one of the lower-paying bachelor's degrees available. That doesn't make it a poor choice for every student—many communication careers build earnings gradually, and the field offers paths into everything from corporate PR to digital marketing. But parents should understand they're financing entry into a competitive field where internships, portfolio work, and networking often matter as much as the degree itself.

Given the limited graduate data available from this specific program, your best move is connecting directly with Mayville State's career services to understand where recent communication majors actually land jobs and what support exists for breaking into competitive media markets from rural North Dakota. The numbers suggest manageable debt, but you'll want clarity on job placement before committing.