Communication and Media Studies at Ouachita Baptist University

Ouachita Baptist's Communication and Media Studies program sits right in the middle of the pack nationally, but performs slightly better than most Arkansas alternatives. With starting earnings of $34,574, graduates earn about $1,200 more than the Arkansas median for this program. They're also borrowing right at the state median ($23,521), putting this program in the 60th percentile statewide—a modest advantage over most in-state options except Arkansas State and University of Arkansas.

The debt load here is manageable at 68% of first-year earnings, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about eight months if they dedicated their entire salary to it. Four-year earnings growth of 13% isn't spectacular but shows steady progression. The real question is whether communication and media studies as a field aligns with your child's career goals, since even top programs in this major typically see modest starting salaries.

For families prioritizing an Arkansas education, Ouachita represents a reasonable choice—middle-of-the-road outcomes without the debt burden that could make early career years financially precarious. Just understand you're not getting the earning power of Arkansas State ($40K starting), but you're also avoiding the weaker outcomes at smaller regional schools in the state.