Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder's communications program produces graduates who earn $42,218 in their first year—significantly above Colorado's median of $37,410 for similar programs and competitive with the national 75th percentile. Among the state's four schools offering this degree, Boulder ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, which means graduates here typically outearn those from most competing Colorado programs, including Metropolitan State's $32,601. This earnings advantage matters in a state where many students choose public schools for affordability reasons.

The debt picture reinforces this value. At $19,433, graduates here carry about $6,000 less debt than the typical communications major nationally and roughly $5,700 less than Colorado's state median. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46—meaning graduates owe less than half their first year's salary. For a field where entry-level positions don't typically command premium wages, this is a favorable starting point.

The combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt makes this a solid choice for students committed to communications work. Boulder's strong alumni network in Denver's growing media and tech sectors likely contributes to these outcomes. While $42,000 won't feel lavish, the relatively light debt load gives graduates flexibility to pursue opportunities in nonprofit communications, agency work, or corporate roles without financial pressure forcing immediate compromises.