Communication and Media Studies at University of Wisconsin-Parkside

UW-Parkside's Communication and Media Studies program delivers completely flat earnings—graduates make essentially the same $37,000 whether they've been working one year or four. That's unusual and worth noting, though the debt load of $26,000 means graduates start with a manageable 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio. The program outperforms the national median by about $2,000, but sits solidly in the middle of Wisconsin's competitive landscape—ranking in just the 40th percentile statewide.

The real concern is what happens after that first year. While graduates from other Wisconsin programs see their earnings climb into the low $40,000s, UW-Parkside alumni remain stuck around $37,000. This isn't necessarily a reflection of the program quality—Communication graduates often need to build skills and networks over time—but it suggests graduates may be finding roles with limited advancement or staying in entry-level positions longer than peers from higher-ranked state programs.

For families looking at Wisconsin public universities, this program costs less in debt than most ($26,000 versus the state median of nearly $26,000), which matters. But with five other UW System schools producing graduates who earn $3,000-$6,000 more annually by year four, the earnings gap compounds quickly. If your student is set on communications and staying in Wisconsin, they should compare the full cost of attendance across UW campuses—the higher-earning programs might justify slightly higher sticker prices.