Communication and Media Studies at Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $32,951—about $7,400 below Utah's median for the program and $2,000 below the national average. Among Utah's eight programs, this ranks dead last for first-year earnings, with graduates from competing state schools like Weber State and Utah Valley earning roughly $10,000 more right out of the gate. That's a meaningful gap when you're trying to cover rent and student loans in your first job.

The positive counterweight here is exceptionally low debt. At $13,900, SUU graduates carry about half the typical burden for this degree (the national median is $25,000). With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, most graduates can realistically pay this off within a few years even on entry-level salaries. The 33% earnings growth to year four also shows the trajectory improves, though $43,818 still trails the state median.

For cost-conscious families, this program won't saddle your child with crushing debt, and SUU's 80% admission rate makes it accessible. But understand the tradeoff: you're likely accepting lower earnings in exchange for financial safety. If your child is confident about their career path in communications and willing to hustle through lower initial earnings, the minimal debt makes this workable. If they're uncertain or expect immediate financial independence after graduation, the other Utah programs offer stronger earning potential from day one.