Communication and Media Studies at Missouri Southern State University

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing dramatically with just a few data points, but the pattern is worth examining: graduates start at $30,201—well below both Missouri's $33,905 median and the national average—but see strong 55% earnings growth by year four, reaching $46,888. That's a striking comeback, though it raises questions about why the first-year numbers lag so far behind peers at Mizzou ($44,078) or even Southeast Missouri State ($35,282).

The debt picture offers some relief: at $18,350, it's considerably lower than typical communication program debt both statewide ($24,343) and nationally ($25,000). That 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary, which is manageable even during the lean early years. The 97% admission rate and modest test scores suggest this serves a different student population than flagship programs—possibly students staying local or seeking an affordable communications degree.

For parents, this depends on realistic expectations. If your child is likely to stay in the Joplin area with limited media markets, that first-year salary might persist longer than the data suggests. The earnings growth looks promising, but with such a small sample, it could reflect a few graduates who left journalism for better-paying adjacent fields. Given the low debt, it's a reasonable choice for a student committed to staying in Missouri, but those eyeing competitive markets in Kansas City or St. Louis might benefit from looking at schools where graduates start stronger.