Communication and Media Studies at Midland University

Based on comparable programs in Nebraska, Midland's Communication and Media Studies degree appears to land near the state median, with estimated first-year earnings around $40,445—notably above the national median of $34,959 for this major. The estimated $26,000 in debt produces a manageable 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first year's salary. That's a workable starting point, though it's worth noting that nearby programs at UNO and Nebraska Wesleyan show slightly higher earnings with similar or lower debt loads.

The challenge with communication degrees is less about the numbers than the career trajectory they enable. Similar programs in Nebraska suggest moderate starting salaries that could plateau early without strategic career moves into specialized areas like corporate communications, digital marketing, or public relations. The estimated debt level isn't alarming, but it needs to translate into a clear career path—not just a general interest in "communications."

For parents evaluating this investment, the key question is whether your student has a specific professional direction in mind. The estimated outcomes suggest Midland positions graduates reasonably well within Nebraska's market, but without actual program data, you're banking on the program matching what peer schools deliver. If your student can articulate what they want to do with this degree and how Midland's program connects to that goal, the moderate debt burden becomes more justifiable.