Communication and Media Studies at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University's communication graduates start slowly—earning about $4,900 below the national median in their first year—but the program's trajectory tells a different story. By year four, earnings jump to $48,148, representing 60% growth and putting graduates well above both national and Missouri averages. While this program ranks at just the 40th percentile among Missouri schools initially, that strong earnings acceleration eventually pushes past competitors like Southeast Missouri State and Northwest Missouri State.

The manageable debt load of $24,343 (matching the state median) means graduates can weather that rocky first year, when they're earning barely above $30,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 isn't alarming, especially given the substantial income growth that follows. However, parents should understand this isn't the quick-launch program that University of Missouri-Columbia delivers—students need to be prepared for entry-level positions that may feel underwhelming before career momentum builds.

For families willing to accept a slower career start in exchange for solid mid-term outcomes, this works. The key question is whether your child can manage the financial and psychological reality of those first couple years while peers in other majors or programs may be earning significantly more. If they're committed to communications and patient about career development, the four-year numbers suggest reasonable payoff.