Analysis
UW-River Falls' Business Communications program outperforms both the national and Wisconsin medians, placing graduates in the 60th percentile statewide—a meaningful edge in a state with limited options for this major. Starting at $43,149 and climbing to $52,519 by year four represents solid 22% growth, suggesting graduates are building career momentum rather than plateauing early. The $22,375 debt load comes in below both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 that's manageable by any standard.
What stands out here is the value proposition relative to alternatives. With only three Wisconsin schools offering this program, River Falls delivers stronger outcomes than Marquette—a private institution where graduates actually earn less despite presumably higher tuition costs. The 82% admission rate makes this accessible to most students, and the earnings trajectory suggests the program is teaching skills employers will pay for over time.
For families seeking a practical communications degree without excessive debt, this program delivers. The combination of above-average earnings, below-average debt, and steady income growth makes River Falls a straightforward choice in Wisconsin's limited Business Communications landscape.
Where University of Wisconsin-River Falls Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/corporate communications bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls | $43,149 | $52,519 | +22% |
| Bentley University | $57,141 | $74,655 | +31% |
| National University | $38,696 | $69,428 | +79% |
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | $47,880 | $62,502 | +31% |
| Chapman University | $39,901 | $61,840 | +55% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Business/Corporate Communications bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,606 | $43,149 | $52,519 | $22,375 | 0.52 | |
| $48,700 | $39,816 | — | $24,187 | 0.61 | |
| National Median | — | $41,494 | — | $23,250 | 0.56 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/corporate communications graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Technical Writers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Wisconsin-River Falls, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.