Communication and Media Studies at Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State's Communication and Media Studies program starts at a concerning $28,106—well below both Kansas and national norms—but the trajectory tells a different story. By year four, graduates reach nearly $40,000, posting 42% earnings growth that significantly outpaces what's typical in this field. That puts the program in the bottom quartile initially but brings it close to the 75th percentile nationally after four years.

The $23,250 in debt is actually lower than both state and national averages, which matters given the rocky start. Within two years of graduation, earnings should surpass the debt amount, and the year-four figure of $39,868 approaches what Kansas and Washburn graduates earn right out of the gate. Still, this program ranks just 25th percentile among Kansas communication programs, trailing state leaders like KU and Washburn by roughly $10,000 at the four-year mark. The 88% admission rate and modest test scores suggest Pittsburg State serves students who might not access those flagship options, but the earnings gap remains real.

The value here depends on where your child would otherwise attend. If comparing to Kansas flagships, those schools deliver stronger immediate earnings that compound over time. But if this is competing against higher-debt options or programs without clear employment paths, Pittsburg State's combination of below-average debt and strong growth makes it workable—provided your family can weather two years of lean early earnings.