Communication and Media Studies at Purdue University-Main Campus

Master's Degree

Location: West Lafayette, IN•In-State Tuition: $9,992•Out-of-State Tuition: $28,794•Admission Rate: 50%•Avg SAT: 1342
Median Earnings (1yr)
$70,112
95th percentile (60th in IN)
Sample Size
251
Adequate data

Earnings Distribution

How Purdue University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn $70k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all communication and media studies masters programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Communication and Media Studies masters's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (9 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Purdue University-Main Campus$70,112$71,370——
National Median$50,050———

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 Purdue University-Main Campus, approximately 13% 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.