Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Newman University

For a communications degree that estimates $25,832 in debt—slightly above the national median for this field—the projected first-year salary of $39,794 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65. Based on comparable communications programs nationally, that's a manageable burden, though it's worth noting that Newman's debt estimate runs about $1,200 higher than typical programs in this major. The monthly loan payment would claim roughly 7-8% of take-home pay under standard repayment, leaving room to manage other expenses while building a career in PR or advertising.

The challenge with communications degrees often isn't the debt load but the competitive nature of breaking into the field and the regional salary differences. Wichita's media and corporate communications market is smaller than Kansas City's, which could affect both job availability and starting salaries. Similar programs nationally suggest first-year earnings cluster tightly around this $40,000 estimate, with even top performers barely clearing $42,000—meaning there's limited upside in those crucial early years when debt payments hit hardest.

The practical takeaway: if your child has specific connections to Wichita's business community or media outlets, this program's estimated financials won't sink them. But they should enter with realistic expectations about starting salaries in communications and a plan for how they'll differentiate themselves in a crowded job market where internships and portfolio work often matter more than the diploma itself.