Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky's communications program graduates earn $45,275 in their first year—about $14,000 more than the national median and nearly $9,000 above Kentucky's state median. That 86th percentile national ranking isn't just statistical noise: it reflects a program that's successfully leveraging UK's flagship status and industry connections to get students into better-paying entry-level positions. Among Kentucky programs, UK leads by a significant margin, outpacing even Northern Kentucky University by more than $3,000.

The financial picture looks manageable. With median debt of $24,625 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54, graduates typically owe about half their first-year salary—reasonable territory for a communications degree. Earnings climb to $51,500 by year four, showing 14% growth that suggests graduates are gaining traction in their careers rather than plateauing quickly.

For parents concerned about return on investment in a creative field, this program delivers tangible advantages. The combination of above-average starting salaries, controlled debt levels, and consistent earnings growth makes UK's communications program a solid choice—particularly for in-state students paying lower tuition. You're not gambling on uncertain outcomes here; the data shows UK graduates consistently out-earn their peers both statewide and nationally.