Analysis
Starting at roughly $41,500 based on what similar business communications programs produce nationally, Mount Mary's program sits right at the median for this degree—though without school-specific data, it's hard to know if this particular program outperforms or underperforms its peers. The estimated $23,250 debt load yields a manageable 0.56 ratio, meaning graduates would owe about half their first-year salary, which falls within reasonable bounds for student borrowing.
What's worth noting is that Wisconsin's two programs with reported outcomes show a tight range ($39,800 to $43,100), suggesting the state market for these graduates is fairly consistent. Mount Mary serves a predominantly middle- to lower-income student body (58% receive Pell grants), and for families in that position, the debt estimate appears workable—it's below the national median for bachelor's degrees overall. The question becomes whether business communications specifically opens doors that justify the investment versus entering the workforce directly or pursuing other pathways.
The transparency gap here is real: we're relying entirely on what peer programs produce rather than Mount Mary's actual track record. For a family committing to this investment, the smart move is asking the school directly about graduate outcomes—job placement rates, employer connections, and where recent alumni have landed. The numbers suggest a defensible bet, but you're betting on comparables, not confirmed results.
Where Mount Mary University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/corporate communications bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Business/Corporate Communications bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,390 | $41,494* | — | $23,250* | — | |
| $8,606 | $43,149* | $52,519 | $22,375* | 0.52 | |
| $48,700 | $39,816* | — | $24,187* | 0.61 | |
| National Median | — | $41,494* | — | $23,250* | 0.56 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/corporate communications graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Technical Writers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Mount Mary University, approximately 58% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 14 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.