Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Montana State University Billings

The small sample size here demands caution, but Montana State University Billings' communication program shows one clear advantage: remarkably low debt. At $17,653, students graduate owing about $7,000 less than the national median for these programs—that's meaningful breathing room for someone entering a field where first-year salaries hover around $40,000. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Montana's limited options (just two schools offer this degree statewide), suggesting reasonable competitiveness within the state.

The challenge is that communication careers often require working in larger media markets to maximize earnings potential, and Billings isn't one. Graduates here earn essentially the national median, which sounds fine until you realize many peers at other schools are reaching $42,000-plus. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 is solid—you could realistically pay this off within a few years—but career trajectory matters enormously in communications. If your child plans to stay in Montana, this program offers a cost-effective entry point. If they're eyeing positions in Denver, Portland, or beyond, understand that the local connections and internship pipeline may not translate as powerfully as programs based in those markets. The low debt keeps options open, which is worth something in a field where many graduates pivot careers or return to school.