Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at South Dakota State University

South Dakota State's communication program sits right at the national median for earnings, but that performance actually places it above average within South Dakota—hitting the 60th percentile among in-state options. Graduates start around $40,000 and see modest growth to nearly $42,000 by year four. The $27,000 debt load translates to a manageable 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than eight months of their first-year salary. This ratio ranks in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden, which is exceptionally favorable.

The caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift significantly with a slightly different cohort. However, the pattern is encouraging—steady earnings growth and relatively low debt for a communications degree. For families prioritizing affordability and planning to stay in South Dakota, where the cost of living is significantly lower than coastal markets, the financial math works better than the raw salary figures might suggest.

This is a reasonable investment for students committed to PR or communications work, particularly if they're in-state or securing scholarships at SDSU's 99% admission rate. The low debt burden provides flexibility for graduates who want to pursue lower-paying nonprofit or early-career positions without financial strain. Just recognize that communications careers often require strategic networking and internships to maximize earning potential beyond these averages.