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

The University of Memphis delivers exactly what you'd expect for a communications degree—starting earnings just under $40,000 with manageable debt around $25,000. While that 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio is reasonable compared to many programs, the bigger question is whether these earnings justify four years of college when the typical graduate makes less than $800 per week before taxes.

Within Tennessee, this program actually performs decently, landing in the 60th percentile and matching the state median. It falls short of UT-Knoxville's $42,000+ outcomes but significantly outpaces smaller programs like Lee University. Nationally, it's perfectly average—neither a standout nor a disappointment. The $25,000 debt load aligns with both state and national norms, suggesting the financial aid picture here is typical rather than concerning.

The reality is that communications degrees rarely lead to high starting salaries anywhere, so the question becomes whether your student is passionate enough about this field to accept modest initial earnings. Memphis's open admission and large Pell-eligible population mean the program serves students who might not have other four-year options. If your child is set on communications and wants to stay in Tennessee, this delivers standard outcomes at a standard price. Just make sure they understand they'll likely need to supplement their income early in their career or pursue internships aggressively to land higher-paying positions.