Analysis
A debt load of $25,832 against first-year earnings of around $40,000 creates a manageable financial picture for communications graduates, though these figures come from comparable programs nationally rather than Tabor's own outcomes. The 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio sits comfortably below concerning thresholds, and communications professionals typically see steady salary growth beyond the entry-level positions captured in year-one data.
What makes Tabor's position harder to assess is the complete absence of reported outcomes data in Kansas for this major. The national benchmarks suggest similar programs produce graduates earning right around $40,000 initially, but regional markets matter significantly in communications. Hillsboro's rural Kansas location could mean fewer local opportunities in PR and advertising compared to programs near Kansas City or Wichita, potentially requiring graduates to relocate for career-appropriate positions. The school serves a meaningful population of first-generation college students (38% receive Pell grants), which adds importance to the question of whether this specific program delivers on its investment promise.
The financial structure appears sound based on peer programs, but the lack of actual graduate outcomes for Tabor—or any Kansas communications program in this dataset—means you're evaluating the degree largely on faith. Before committing, request employment data directly from Tabor's career services office, particularly where recent graduates landed jobs and whether those positions required relocation.
Where Tabor College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public relations, advertising, and applied communication bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,050 | $39,794* | — | $25,832* | — | |
| $63,061 | $54,934* | $71,592 | $26,000* | 0.47 | |
| $64,460 | $51,828* | $65,215 | $19,750* | 0.38 | |
| $6,496 | $51,436* | $58,056 | $11,975* | 0.23 | |
| $49,414 | $51,114* | $60,628 | $27,000* | 0.53 | |
| $7,278 | $50,700* | $65,121 | $25,000* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $39,794* | — | $24,625* | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with public relations, advertising, and applied communication graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Human Resources Managers
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Training and Development Managers
Technical Writers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
Training and Development Specialists
Health Education Specialists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Tabor College, approximately 38% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 183 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.