Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,149
59th percentile
Median Debt
$22,375
4% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.52
Manageable
Sample Size
80
Adequate data

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

University of Wisconsin-River FallsOther business/corporate communications programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 59th percentile of all business/corporate communications bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Business/Corporate Communications bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (3 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-River Falls$43,149$52,519$22,3750.52
Marquette University$39,816$24,1870.61
National Median$41,494$23,2500.56

Other Business/Corporate Communications Programs in Wisconsin

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Marquette University
Milwaukee
$48,700$39,816$24,187

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.