Communication and Media Studies at Utah State University

Utah State's Communication and Media Studies program leaves graduates with impressively low debt—just $14,750, which beats 95% of similar programs nationwide. That's nearly half the typical borrowing load for communications majors. However, first-year earnings of $37,574 trail most Utah competitors by a significant margin. Among the state's eight communications programs, this one sits in the 40th percentile, with graduates at BYU, UVU, and the University of Utah all earning $6,000-9,000 more annually.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 is quite manageable, meaning graduates owe less than five months of their first year's salary. Still, that calculation only looks favorable because the debt is exceptionally low—the earnings themselves aren't keeping pace with what's achievable elsewhere in Utah. If your child is comparing in-state options and career trajectory matters, this performance gap is worth understanding, especially since admission standards are similar across these schools.

For families prioritizing minimal student loans above all else, Utah State delivers on that front remarkably well. But if your child could gain admission to BYU, UVU, or the U of U—all realistic possibilities given Utah State's 94% acceptance rate—those programs appear to offer meaningfully better earning potential without punishing debt loads. The low-debt advantage here matters less when peer schools in the state also keep borrowing reasonable while delivering stronger salary outcomes.