Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Minnesota State University-Mankato

The $23,000 in estimated debt sits below typical borrowing for this bachelor's degree, which matters when similar programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $40,000. That 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio—based on peer programs rather than this specific school's outcomes—indicates manageable repayment, though it means roughly seven months of pre-tax income devoted to debt. Minnesota programs in this field cluster tightly, with neighboring state schools reporting outcomes between $39,000 and $41,000, suggesting the state's market for communications graduates offers relatively consistent entry points.

The real question is trajectory. Communications and PR careers often reward skill development and networking more than credential prestige, and Minnesota State-Mankato's 91% admission rate means students pay less for access than at selective privates. But these fields also tend to concentrate higher-paying opportunities in major metros—Minneapolis-St. Paul in this case—which could mean geographic constraints after graduation. The estimated figures tell us what's typical nationally for this major, not what Minnesota State specifically delivers, so your child's outcomes will depend heavily on internships, portfolio work, and willingness to hustle for opportunities beyond what the degree itself guarantees.

For parents weighing this investment: the debt burden appears reasonable for a four-year degree, but earnings potential in communications varies wildly based on specialization and hustle. If your student thrives in the more entrepreneurial aspects of the field—building client relationships, digital strategy, content creation—the investment makes sense. If they're drawn to it as a "default" option, cheaper pathways like starting at a two-year college might test that commitment first.