Communication and Media Studies at University of Iowa

University of Iowa's Communication and Media Studies graduates start below the state median but experience remarkable growth, with earnings jumping 49% to reach $56,246 by year four—the kind of trajectory that transforms an underwhelming launch into solid mid-career prospects. While first-year earnings of $37,647 trail other Iowa programs like Luther College and Iowa State, this appears to be a temporary positioning issue rather than a fundamental weakness.

The debt picture offers genuine relief: at $25,814, graduates carry manageable loans that represent just 69% of first-year earnings. This puts Iowa in the 40th percentile nationally for debt—meaning 60% of comparable programs saddle students with more. Combined with that strong earnings acceleration, most graduates should handle repayment comfortably within standard timelines.

The paradox here is that Iowa outperforms 64% of communication programs nationally while ranking below the state median. This reflects Iowa's unusually strong communication programs overall—seven in-state schools cluster tightly between $36,000 and $42,000 in starting earnings. Given the low debt burden and proven earnings growth, Iowa delivers solid value even if it's not the top in-state option. Parents should feel reasonably confident their graduate won't struggle financially, though students set on maximizing immediate earning potential might consider Luther College or Iowa State.