Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowa graduates earn nearly $4,000 more in their first year than the typical communications graduate nationally—placing this program in the 80th percentile. Within Iowa, where several strong programs compete, UNI trails only Drake by about $700 and sits comfortably in the middle of the pack. The debt burden of $21,096 is notably lighter than both the national median ($24,625) and state median ($24,000), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 that should allow most graduates to manage repayment comfortably.

The 11% earnings growth to $48,546 by year four demonstrates steady career progression, and the combination of strong initial placement with manageable debt makes this program particularly compelling at UNI's accessible admission standards. While Drake edges ahead in earnings, that advantage needs to be weighed against likely higher tuition costs. For in-state students, this represents efficient workforce preparation in a competitive field—you're getting above-average outcomes at below-average debt levels from a program that accepts nearly all applicants.