Communication and Media Studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Communication and Media Studies program delivers earnings that edge out both state and national medians, placing graduates in the 60th percentile among Illinois programs—a solid middle-of-the-pack position. First-year earnings of $36,569 climb to $42,405 by year four, showing 16% growth that suggests graduates are gaining career traction rather than stalling out early.

The debt picture here is notably better than typical for this field. At $21,759, graduates carry about $3,000 less than the Illinois median and $3,200 below the national average. That translates to a 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable on a communications salary, though you'll want to plan for several years of careful budgeting. Given the school's 97% admission rate and reasonable selectivity, this represents accessible training that doesn't saddle students with outsized debt.

The reality check: graduates here earn substantially less than those from Northwestern ($52,210) or even mid-tier private colleges in Illinois. But for families prioritizing affordability and steady career progression over prestige, SIUE offers a practical path into communications work without the financial strain that often accompanies this major. If your student is committed to this field and values staying in-state, the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings makes this a defensible choice.