Analysis
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.
Where University of Iowa Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Iowa graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa | $37,647 | $56,246 | +49% |
| Luther College | $42,012 | $47,382 | +13% |
| Iowa State University | $40,497 | $45,673 | +13% |
| University of Northern Iowa | $40,558 | $45,629 | +13% |
| Wartburg College | $40,255 | $43,549 | +8% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of IowaIowa City | $10,964 | $37,647 | $56,246 | $25,814 | 0.69 |
 Luther CollegeDecorah | $50,320 | $42,012 | $47,382 | $27,000 | 0.64 |
 University of Northern IowaCedar Falls | $9,728 | $40,558 | $45,629 | $19,387 | 0.48 |
 Iowa State UniversityAmes | $10,497 | $40,497 | $45,673 | $19,425 | 0.48 |
 Wartburg CollegeWaverly | $51,040 | $40,255 | $43,549 | $26,750 | 0.66 |
 Loras CollegeDubuque | $38,298 | $36,821 | — | $25,166 | 0.68 |
| National Median | — | $34,959 | — | $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 University of Iowa, approximately 18% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 215 graduates with reported earnings and 227 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.