Communication and Media Studies at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

UW-Oshkosh communication graduates earn notably more than their peers across the country—landing in the 80th percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $40,673. That's roughly $6,000 above the national median for this major, which matters when communication programs often face criticism for weak early earnings. The debt load of $26,534 is manageable, translating to a 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests graduates can handle their loan payments without financial strain.

Within Wisconsin, the picture is more competitive but still solid. UW-Oshkosh sits around the 60th percentile statewide and ranks fifth among the state's communication programs—trailing schools like Edgewood and UW-Superior by a couple thousand dollars, but outperforming the state median by about $2,500. The 16% earnings growth by year four shows steady career progression, with graduates reaching $47,265.

For parents weighing in-state options, UW-Oshkosh delivers a strong value proposition in communication. Your child would graduate with below-average debt while earning above-average income compared to communication majors nationally. While it's not the top-ranked program in Wisconsin, it significantly outperforms most communication degrees nationwide—a reassuring position for a field often questioned for its ROI. The accessible 87% admission rate makes it a realistic target for most students interested in media careers.