Communication and Media Studies at Saint Norbert College

Saint Norbert graduates earn $38,287 in their first year—roughly $3,300 above the national median for communications majors and just slightly above Wisconsin's median. Among Wisconsin's 27 programs, this lands in the 60th percentile, meaning it's competitive but not top-tier. Several UW system schools produce stronger early outcomes, with Edgewood College graduates earning nearly $5,000 more. The $26,262 debt load sits right at the state median, creating a manageable 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The trajectory here matters. Four years out, earnings climb 19% to $45,621—a respectable growth curve that suggests graduates gain traction in their careers. This late-twenties earnings level makes the initial debt load easier to manage over time. The combination of below-average debt (34th percentile nationally) and above-average earnings creates a reasonably balanced value proposition for a communications degree.

For families considering Saint Norbert against state alternatives, the math works but isn't exceptional. You're paying similar debt for middle-of-the-pack Wisconsin outcomes. If your student values the small liberal arts environment (92% acceptance suggests a less selective but potentially supportive community), the numbers support that choice. If maximizing early earnings is the priority, the UW system offers stronger returns at comparable or lower debt levels.