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

North Dakota State reports first-year earnings of $39,223 for its public relations graduates—essentially identical to the $39,794 estimate for University of Mary based on national peer programs. With just two schools offering this major in North Dakota, both appear to land graduates in the same earnings bracket, suggesting the state's market for communications professionals offers limited variation regardless of where you train.

The estimated $25,832 in debt produces a 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio, which is manageable by conventional standards. Comparable programs nationally carry a median debt load of $24,625, so Mary's figure isn't alarming. However, these are modest starting salaries for a field that increasingly requires digital fluency and portfolio development—skills that often come from internships and side projects rather than coursework alone. The broader question is whether communications roles in Bismarck and surrounding markets provide enough upward mobility to justify even moderate debt.

For families considering this program, the key variable isn't the data—it's whether your student has already built relevant experience through campus media, local agencies, or nonprofit work. Communications is a field where early networking and demonstrated skills often matter more than the diploma itself. If your student is using college primarily as a credential rather than as a launching pad for hands-on work, reconsider the investment.