Analysis
Similar communication programs in Nebraska suggest first-year earnings around $40,445โa figure that sits comfortably above the national median for this field and matches what most Nebraska schools achieve. The estimated $26,000 in debt produces a manageable 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first year's salary. For context, Union Adventist's open admission policy and relatively low Pell grant enrollment (24%) suggest this serves a specific student population, though it's worth noting that peer schools with reported outcomes cluster tightly in the $36,000-$41,000 range.
The challenge here is uncertainty: with both earnings and debt figures estimated due to small graduate cohorts, parents can't know whether Union Adventist's program specifically delivers on these projections. The school might produce stronger or weaker outcomes than its Nebraska peers. What we do know is that communication degrees in this state generally perform better than the national average, and the estimated debt load isn't alarming compared to potential earnings.
For parents considering this investment, contact the school directly for placement rates and actual graduate outcomes they can share informally. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but with a program this small, you need to verify that graduates are actually finding work in their field before committing.
Where Union Adventist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,990 | $40,445* | โ | $26,000* | โ | |
| $8,370 | $41,327* | $43,624 | $23,250* | 0.56 | |
| $41,658 | $41,188* | โ | $25,500* | 0.62 | |
| $10,108 | $39,702* | $57,735 | $22,138* | 0.56 | |
| $7,970 | $35,833* | โ | $25,325* | 0.71 | |
| National Median | โ | $34,959* | โ | $25,000* | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
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 Union Adventist University, approximately 24% 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 median of 4 similar programs in NE. Actual outcomes may vary.