Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Susquehanna University

Susquehanna's communications graduates start behind the national average but demonstrate notable upward momentum, with earnings jumping 33% to reach $48,622 by year four—substantially outpacing typical career trajectories in this field. That first-year figure of $36,632 sits at the 30th percentile nationally, but here's the interesting twist: within Pennsylvania, this same outcome ranks at the 60th percentile. The state's communications job market appears less lucrative overall, making Susquehanna's performance more competitive locally than the national comparison suggests.

The debt picture is exceptionally favorable. At $27,000, graduates carry less than typical student loans for this major, and the 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio means they owe less than three-quarters of their first-year salary. That's manageable by any standard, particularly as their earnings climb. The moderate sample size means these figures represent real outcomes but may fluctuate year to year.

For families keeping costs in check, this program delivers regional competitiveness without crushing debt. While Temple and Duquesne graduates earn more immediately, Susquehanna's combination of reasonable borrowing and strong earnings growth creates a solid foundation. If your child plans to work in Pennsylvania's communications market—where Susquehanna sits comfortably above the state median—this represents a pragmatic choice that balances cost with career trajectory.